HC Deb 07 December 1943 vol 395 cc770-1
42 Major Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what are the respective numbers of full-time and part-time members of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps in Scotland; and what are the hours of work performed per week by the voluntary members of this unit;

(2) what plans he has for the post-war employment of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps in Scotland;

(3) whether there is any committee or person charged with the welfare and inspection of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps in Scotland?

Mr. Johnston

The Women's Auxiliary Police Corps in Scotland at present consists of 472 whole-time and 417 part-time members. Like other Civil Defence workers, the part-time members can be required to perform up to 48 hours' duty a month, but some of them in fact serve for many more hours. The Corps is inspected from time to time in the same way as other sections of the Police Service by His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and the Assistant Inspector, and in areas where considerable numbers of the Corps are employed welfare is supervised by the local Commandant of the Corps. The position of the Corps in relation to post-war policing needs is at present being examined in consultation with the Home Office.

Major Lloyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recruitment for this Corps is considerably handicapped and that many of the best types will not come forward because of pay conditions? Will he consider their desire to have a woman inspector for themselves, as one inspector for the whole of Scotland would be generally desirable rather than a series of local inspectors?

Mr. Johnston

I do not know that I have had any communication on the subject of a single woman inspector, but I will look into the matter. As to the first part of the Supplementary Question, there is a Question on the subject later.

61. Major Neven-Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that many Women's Auxiliary Police Corps are now employed on exactly the same duties as regular policewomen, he is prepared to reconsider the question of their pay and conditions?

Mr. Johnston

Throughout the war the pay of members of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps has been the same as that of women members of all other Civil Defence Services, and I am unable to recommend a departure from this fundamental principle.