§ 25. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary the total cost of policewomen in England and Wales, including rent allowances, uniforms, and other incidental expenses, for the 12 months ended the last convenient date; and what is the present strength of the Metropolitan policewomen?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe Metropolitan police expenditure in respect of policewomen during 1935–36 amounted to £15,156. I cannot give a similar figure for county and borough forces, but the cost of pay alone in those forces in 1934–35 was about £19,000. There are at present 75 policewomen in the Metropolitan police force.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent it is proposed to increase the strength in the Metropolitan area?
§ Sir J. SIMONDoes the hon. Member mean women police?
§ Sir J. SIMONAuthority has been obtained for an increase, but I do not carry the exact figure in my mind. The number of women police is steadily increasing.
Viscountess ASTORSeeing that many local authorities have failed to obey, or are paying no attention to, his circular asking them to consider the advisability of having women police, can the right hon. Gentleman do something more drastic, bearing in mind that we should never have had men police but for the pressure of the central authority on local authorities?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think the experience of the London area is probably an indication to other authorities, and I think we muse, expect a gradual development.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the question, as some local authorities absolutely refuse to consider the appointment of women police?