HC Deb 12 February 1942 vol 377 cc1572-3
25. Mr. Bower

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that full-time serving inspectors and sergeants of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary are only receiving the same rate of pay as ordinary special constables; and whether, in the interests of efficiency and improved discipline; he will take steps to remedy this anomaly?

Mr. H. Morrison

While I appreciate fully the work of these officers, I think my hon. Friend's Question is based on some misapprehension of their position. Whole-time sergeants in the Metropolitan Special Constabulary are performing the duties of constables, and there would be no ground for granting them a higher rate of pay. As regards the inspectors, I would point out that when they under took to serve whole-time they were aware that there was a flat rate of pay for all whole-time special constables.

Mr. Bower

Is the Minister aware of the serious sense of grievance to which this position has given rise, and the detrimental effect it is having on the discipline of the Forces? Will he take some steps to bring the special constabulary into line with the regular officers in this matter?

Mr. Morrison

I admit that on the face of it it does look anomalous. These men were enrolled on that condition. More over, with the transfer from a peace time basis to a war-time basis the responsibility falls on the officers of the regular police.

26. Mr. Bower

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that full-time serving inspectors of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary are still classed as part-time officers for the purpose of the issue of uniforms, and still receive the same cheap quality cloth which was issued to them for their normal peace-time duties; and whether, in view of the unsuitability of these uniforms for full-time duties, he will take steps to remedy this at an early date?

Mr. Morrison

I am informed by the Commissioner that, while the uniforms issued to these full-time inspectors are of the same quality as those issued to part-time inspectors, the full-time inspectors are provided with two uniforms, while a part-time inspector has one only. I cannot on the information before me accept the suggestion that the uniforms are unsuitable for their purposes.