§ 4. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the police pay increases recommended by the arbitration tribunal last December will be effected.
§ 19. Mr. J. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce the necessary legislation to implement the undertaking given in respect of police pay.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe increases in pay in question have been in operation since 16th December, 1955. If, however, the hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring to the arbitrators' recommendation of May this year as regards the retrospective operation of these increases to 8th September, 1955, that is a matter which will require legislation. After consulting the police authorities, the Government have decided to make the necessary provision in the legislation which, as I said in my statement on 12th July, they propose to introduce to enable retrospective effect to be given to future police pay awards or agreements.
§ Lieut-Colonel LiptonWhilst thanking the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he can hold out any prospect—since legislation is likely to go through the House very quickly—that this retrospective pay increase will be paid to the police before Christmas?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI agree with the hon. and gallant Member. I doubt whether the Bill will lead to much opposition in the House. As to the actual date, I have to ask him to await the Gracious Speech.
§ Mr. HarveyIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there has been considerable misunderstanding among police forces about the reason for the delay and that it will meet the wishes of hon. Members on both sides of the House if he can bring the legislation forward at the earliest possible moment?