HC Deb 15 June 1932 vol 267 cc399-400
48. Mr. GROVES

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police constables and sergeants who are requested by the Commissioner of Police to be at meetings addressed by him are in receipt of pay for the time so spent, or whether the attendance is of a voluntary nature and not therefore in service time; why the members of the force are instructed to appear in uniform; and what is the cost of such meetings upon public funds?

The UNDERSECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

Any such parade is an occasion of police duty, held in service time, with the men in uniform. One such parade has been held by the present Commissioner, involving an expenditure of 20 guineas for the hire of the hall in which it was held, and small sums for travelling expenses of the men amounting in the aggregate to not more than £100.

Mr. GROVES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this meeting was held in the time when the men were not on duty; and is that what is called service time?

Mr. STANLEY

I do not know whether the hon. Member is referring to the same meeting. The only meeting of this character was held in service time. There are, of course, other meetings occasionally.

Mr. GROVES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I am referring to the meeting held in the Albert Hall, in time when the men were not on duty?

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

May I ask if the meeting was successful?