§ 17. Mr. WILMOTasked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements for the Metropolitan police at once to be issued with light and cool clothing and headgear for use during hot weather?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir; I do not think any such arrangements are necessary. The Metropolitan Police uniform has been carefully designed, after hearing the men's own views, to suit our changeable climate. When the weather is very hot, arrangements are made to relieve men on fixed points more frequently.
§ Mr. WILMOTWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether it is not a fact that many provincial forces are issued with light clothing during hot weather, while the Metropolitan Police have to wear heavy serge jackets and their winter-weight trousers in the hottest weather?
§ Sir J. SIMONI do not think that that is quite so. My understanding is that there is a difference of weight in the two seasons of the year. But in any case arrangements are actually now under consideration for getting greater uniformity in this matter between the Metropolitan and provincial police forces.