23. Mrs. Braddockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the reduction from 5s. per week to 2s. per week in the cycle allowance to the Police Force in Liverpool is causing dissatisfaction; that the 5s. weekly has been in operation for the past 20 years; and if he will give further consideration to the need to revise the 2s. weekly, which is all that he, according to his recent circular, is prepared to approve.
§ Mr. EdeI have received representations on this subject from the Liverpool Watch Committee, but the Department's recent circular, to which my hon. Friend refers, was based on a specific recommendation of the Oaksey Committee and I should not feel justified in reconsidering it, more particularly as existing recipients of the higher rate of allowance will continue to be eligible for that higher rate.
Mrs. BraddockDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that the difficulty arising from the reduction of the bicycle allowance will make recruits reluctant to go into the force with their own bicycles, and that the local authority will be compelled in that case to purchase bicycles and to maintain them, which will mean a much greater expenditure?
§ Mr. EdeI should have thought an allowance of 2s. a week for a bicycle to be quite adequate compensation for its purchase, maintenance and use.
Mrs. BraddockIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the scheme has been in operation in Liverpool for the past 20 years and that 5s. has been found adequate to meet the whole responsibility?
§ Mr. EdeI am aware that 5s. has been paid in Liverpool, but I agree with the Oaksey Report that 5s. is an excessive sum for this service.