HC Deb 19 May 1949 vol 465 c603
27. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the feeling among members of the London police forces that the £10 London allowance recommended by the Oaksey Committee does not meet the additional cost of living in London; and if he will carry out further investigations before coming to any decision on this point.

Mr. Ede

I discussed the recommendations of the Committee with the Police Council yesterday, and am considering the representations made to me at the meeting.

Mr. Gammans

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is very desirable, in order to stimulate recruitment for the police in London and to keep men in the police force once they have joined, that this matter should be very thoroughly investigated and that there should be no difference of opinion as to what is the true value of the London allowance?

Mr. Ede

One of the difficulties is that the police forces throughout the country are not agreed that a differential allowance is desirable for any part, and they also tend to the belief that if a case can be established for London, it might be established for certain other centres. I have to give regard to all the factors which are thus raised.

Mr. R. A. Butler

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement on the subject?

Mr. Ede

I had this meeting yesterday and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is meeting the Police Council for Scotland today. I hope that when he returns to London I shall be able to have consultations with him and to make an announcement at a very early date now.