§ 22. Mr. Dayasked the Home Secretary the number of Metropolitan police officers relieved of traffic duty to date following the provision by local authorities of the electric traffic lights, and the approximate yearly saving in wages and other police charges through the introduction of same; and what notice is generally given by local authorities of their intention in instal these lights, which relieve the police from traffic duty?
§ Sir S. HoareThe number of police actually withdrawn from traffic duty consequent on the installation of signals is 662. The cost of these police is approximately£180,000 a year. No public notice is required to be given of proposals to instal these signals, and the prime motion for this installation may come from the local authorities, the Ministry of Transport or the police. The time occupied by the preliminary consideration of and arrangement for any particular installation varies considerably with the circumstances of each individual case.
§ Mr. DayAs there is such a substantial reduction and saving, will the Minister suggest that there should be a reduction in the police rate for the ratepayers of London?
§ Sir S. HoareObviously that is a different question.