§ 47. Mr. GROVESasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider so arranging the pay and conditions of the members of the Metropolitan Police Force that they are in general conformity with organised industry; and whether he will recommend a standard minimum wage of £3 weekly with the extra pay for night shifts, holiday, and Sunday working?
Mr. STANLEYIt is clearly desirable, in fixing the pay and other conditions of service of members of the Metropolitan and other police forces, that due regard should be paid to the standard of remuneration and conditions of service in other employments, as well as to the nature of the work and responsibilities to be undertaken. With regard to the latter part of the question, night work and Sunday work are an integral part of a policeman's ordinary duty, to which due regard is paid in determining the standard of remuneration. He is also entitled to a weekly rest day or payment in lieu and an annual holiday.
§ Mr. GROVESWill the hon. Gentleman say what regulates their pay?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not an error to regard the police force as an organised industry? Is it not more in the nature of a profession, and rapidly becoming a learned profession?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIt is in the question.