§ 24. Captain Profumoasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, under the existing conditions of pay in the police force, a police constable drawing war bonus and cost of living bonus can earn more than a sergeant who is only entitled to the former; that this is a not infrequent occurrence which is liable to result in police constables not wishing to accept greater responsibility and promotion; and is he prepared to consider adjusting this anomaly?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am not aware that any such anomaly arises as is suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. It is true that a constable receives a supplementary allowance of 10s. a week as against a sergeant's 5s., but, on the other hand, a sergeant receives at least 5s. a week more in pay than a constable, as well as a higher rate of war duty allowance. It follows, therefore, that a constable cannot fail to benefit by promotion.
§ Captain ProfumoIs my right hon. Friend aware that I am informed that there are police constables at the present time who are earning more money than junior sergeants? I know of one particular case of which I will forward particulars to my right hon. Friend if he is prepared to study them.