§ 25. Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of motor cars on the establishment of Scotland Yard; how many are allotted for the use of high officials and senior officers; and how many are attached to the special branch of the service known as the flying squad?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)The number of cars available for all purposes in the Metropolitan police service is about 280, of which seven are for the official use of the Commissioner, the Assistant Commissioners and their staffs at Scotland Yard; two are for headquarters officers of the Criminal Investigation Department; and seven are attached to the receiver's department. The remainder, including those of the flying squad, are assigned for supervisory, patrolling and other duties throughout the district. I do not think that it would be in the public interest to state how many cars and vans are attached to the flying squad. These figures do not include vans and tenders.
§ Mr. McGOVERNMay I ask whether it is true that a number of these cars are used by high officials and senior officers to go round the country on pleasure journeys, for which the cars have been placed at the disposal of themselves and their friends? Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any information as to misuse of the cars in this way?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir; I should think that statement wholly unwarranted.
§ Mr. McGOVERNWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire further as to whether they are so used?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROf course, all matters connected with the discipline of the force come under my review, and will be reviewed.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSAre these cars ever used for rescuing Members of Parliament in times of trouble from rowdy meetings?
§ Mr. McGOVERNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if Members of Parliament are being rescued, usually it is with a Black Maria?