§ 12. Mr. WILMOTasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among the Metropolitan Police and the public misgiving owing to the present practice whereby special duties such as attendance at dog races, football matches, etc., for which payment is made to the commissioners, are performed by constables who should be engaged upon their ordinary duties; and whether he will revert to the previous practice so that these duties are performed by constables in their own time for suitable payment without depleting the force engaged on public duties?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware of any public misgiving or dissatisfaction in the Metropolitan police force on this matter. The Government's reasons for the change of practice were fully explained in the White Paper of May, 1933, and there is no intention to go back to the previous system.
§ Mr. PETHERICKIn view of the large number of additional duties put on the police by the work of the Departments, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the strength of the Metropolitan police force is adequate?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir.
§ Mr. WILMOTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the calls made upon constables for this kind of duty interfere with the discharge of their duties to the public?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.