HC Deb 18 January 1940 vol 356 cc211-2
27. Captain Conant

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the lack of uniformity as between public authorities in making up the pay of police Reservists recalled to the colours; and what steps he proposes to take to secure similarity of treatment?

Sir J. Anderson

This is a matter which Parliament has left to the discretion of the individual police authorities. I am aware that a few police authorities have decided not to make up the pay of Reservists recalled to the colours, but there is no action which I could take to secure uniformity of treatment.

Captain Conant

Will my right hon. Friend publish a list of the authorities and inform those who are not making up the pay that the great majority of other authorities are much more generous in their treatment of the reservists?

Sir J. Anderson

No, Sir. When Parliament leaves discretion to local authorities it must be assumed that that discretion shall be real.

Mr. T. Williams

Has the failure of the Government to make the appropriate grant in these cases brought about this lack of uniformity?

Sir J. Anderson

No, Sir. The Home Office makes the appropriate grant in all cases.

Captain Conant

If the local authorities against whom complaint is made knew what others were doing perhaps they would change their minds. In the in- terests of uniformity could not the authorities be informed?

Sir J. Anderson

Perhaps the authorities will take note of these questions.