§ 3. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the need to improve the conditions of life, work, pay and superannuation of the police force and of increasing the numbers of police; and if he will make a statement on the steps he is taking to effect this.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThere have been substantial increases in police pay in 1949 and 1951, and consequential improvements in pensions. In addition, there have been improvements in allowances and conditions of service, and much progress with the provision of houses. The question of setting up new negotiating machinery for the police, which I regard as the most important single item affecting police conditions of service, will be considered at a meeting of the Police Council this month. Substantial increases in the establishment of police forces have been authorised since the war, and, although recruiting is still difficult in the Metropolitan and some other large forces, the overall strength of police in England and Wales is now nearly 3,000 more than that in 1939.
§ Mr. Hector HughesI am sure that all, except the criminal classes, will be delighted to hear the announcement which the right hon. and learned Gentleman has made.