HC Deb 11 December 1952 vol 509 cc654-5
15. Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the rules governing the payment of overtime to the police on duty at the Palace of Westminster.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

These officers, like other Metropolitan police officers, are entitled to receive compensation by way of time-off for overtime duty. If it is not possible to grant time off within three months, compensation becomes payable by way of overtime payments. Both time off and overtime pay are calculated on a basis of approximately time-and-a-third.

Mr. Field

Is the Minister aware that there are anomalies with regard to the payment of police officers attending at the Palace of Westminster and officers of the Metropolitan Force generally? If I send him particulars of this, will he look into the matter, as I am sure he would not wish the police officers on duty at the Palace of Westminster to be penalised because of the long hours which they have to serve and the vagaries of this House itself.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I will certainly look into any matters to which the hon. Gentleman draws my attention. I am sure that the House would not consider it an imposition when I say that the hon. Gentleman has provided me with a good opportunity of expressing for the whole House our gratitude to the police officers concerned.

Mr. Marlowe

Can my hon. and learned Friend secure the co-operation of hon. Members opposite to ensure that these policemen go home early?

Mr. Ellis Smith

Remembering what occurred on the last occasion, will the Home Secretary, while he is looking into this matter, bear in mind the special increased duties during the days before and after the Coronation proceedings?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I will certainly do that.

Mr. E. Wakefield

Would the Minister not agree that it is wrong that the general taxpayer should bear the cost of police overtime? Would it not be better if the cost were borne by those who make the overtime necessary, and would that not in fact expedite the disposal of business in this House?

Mr. Janner

In view of the reply given by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, would he take the opportunity of consulting with other Members of the Government concerning the position of any other officers who are employed, apart from the police officers, within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster, and will he see that due regard is given to them for the extra services which they render?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

That raises a number of statutory and other problems which are fortunately outside my consideration.