§ 70. Mr. T. SMITH (for Mr. T. WILLIAMS)asked the Minister of Health how many watch committees in Great Britain have erected or purchased houses for the use of police officers since 1919; and the average cost of houses erected or purchased by such authorities?
§ Mr. SHORTI have been asked to reply to this question. The usual practice of borough police authorities is to allow their constables to rent their own houses, a rent allowance being paid; and in some cases a number of men are accommodated in administrative buildings. According to the information available in the Department, which relates to the period since 1925, eight borough police authorities in England and Wales have erected 298 houses (including 251 in Birmingham) at an average cost of about £600; and 18 authorities have purchased 53 houses at an average cost of about 1774 £550, leaving out of account a few houses bought for Chief Constables. I have no information as regards Scotland.