HC Deb 22 May 1952 vol 501 cc654-5
25. Mr. Field

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement about the cessation of overtime payments to police on duty at the Palace of Westminster.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the discontinuance as from 14th April of immediate payment for overtime performed by officers on duty at the Palace of Westminster. This results from a general change of practice with regard to the payment for overtime performed by members of the Metropolitan Police Force. Overtime payments may still be made in cases where it is impossible to compensate an officer by the grant of time-off.

Mr. Field

Will the Home Secretary give very special consideration to the police who wait upon us in this House? Because of the unpredictable habits of the House in sitting, the police have very great difficulties. Is he aware that some of the policemen who wait upon us have over 100 hours to their credit and that it is extremely unlikely that they will be able to make those up by taking time off? Is he aware that if overtime is stopped those men will have waited upon and worked for us without any payment in lieu?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am sure that we all share the gratitude which the hon. Member would wish me to express to those who help us so much in our duties. I will certainly take into account what he has said.

Mr. Pannell

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman make a general inquiry into this matter? In the course of that inquiry, will he also inquire into the conditions of other servants of the House? [An HON. MEMBER: "It is not his job."] Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman confer with those who are responsible for the working conditions of other servants of the House? May I ask him whether, if he does so, he will not be led to the conclusion that many of those are worse off and that the whole of this matter of the working conditions of servants of the House and the police needs looking into very closely?

Mr. Ellis Smith

Before the right hon. and learned Gentleman replies to that—we can see that he is sympathetic—will he also undertake to give his personal attention to this matter?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I will certainly undertake to give it my personal attention. As to the preceding question, my first inquiry would have to be into the limits of my jurisdiction and power.