§ 23. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Home Secretary the total cost in respect of the motor police and the necessary cars and motor-cycles; and whether it is proposed to continue or to increase the existing motor police and at what cost?
Mr. STANLEYThe amount of grant paid from the Road Fund in respect of the provision and maintenance of the vehicles in 1931 is about £54,000. A further payment will be made later in the year in respect of vehicles provided since 1st April last, but this is not likely to be of large amount. The grant for the year will ultimately be adjusted according to the mileages run in the year, but the effect on the grant cannot, of course, be estimated until the actual mileages have been ascertained. The necessary personnel has been found for the most part without additions to the establishments of the forces, and the charges for, garage accommodation and other incidentals are not expected to be heavy. My right hon. Friend cannot, however, give any estimate at present. The whole scheme will be subject to review when it has been in operation a little longer, but, as at present advised, my right hon. Friend contemplates its continuance without any very material alteration.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIn view of the need for economy, would it not be far better to employ these police catching burglars than in joy riding?