Pay

HC Deb 10 October 1946 vol 427 cc329-30

3. Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he now contemplates increasing the pay of the police.

10. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present pay of the Metropolitan Police and of the police generally throughout the country; and if he contemplates any change in the rates.

Mr. Ede

The pay of a constable is on a scale commencing at 90s. a week (or 88s. a week for men under 23 years of age) and rising to 117s. a week or 123s. in the case of men granted additional long service increments. These rates were introduced in March, 1945, on the understanding that they would not be modified for at least three years, but representations have recently been made by the Police Federation Joint Central Committees that the scale should now be improved. These representations have been circulated to members of the police councils with whom the matter will be discussed at meetings to be held at the end of this month.

Mr. W. J. Brown

In addition to giving, I trust, sympathetic consideration to the wages position in the police force, would the Minister now consider raising the ban upon the police having their own organisation to deal with these issues which may arise?

Mr. Ede

I do not think that arises out of the Questions that I have answered. Undoubtedly, that, and other matters with regard to the organisation of the police force, will have to be considered in the very near future.

Sir Patrick Hannon

Would the Home Secretary take into consideration the fact that of all the public servants in this country the police are the most devoted, and will he not give most careful consideration to any suggestion made for improving their conditions?

Mr. Ede

I think it would be very wrong of me, with the police councils considering this matter at the end of the month, to say anything today that would appear to give a lead one way or the other; but I do thank the hon. Member for the testimonial he has paid to the police force.

Mr. Hector Hughes

In assessing these rates of pay, does the Minister take into account the changes from time to time in the cost of living?

Mr. Ede

That again is a matter for the police councils to consider when they meet at the end of the month.

Captain John Crowder

Will the Minister give consideration to the increase in the cost of living in the Greater London area? It is more expensive to live in London than in a provincial town.

Mr. Ede

I think it would be very wrong of me, with the police councils meeting at the end of the month, to give any indication of my personal views. I shall receive their advice, and in the light of that advice I shall have to make up my mind what, if any, changes I shall have to recommend