HC Deb 28 February 1957 vol 565 c1387
34. Mr. Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long a policeman is required to be continuously on duty in a polling booth.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The length of time will depend on local circumstances, including the police resources available. In the Metropolitan Police, officers are normally employed in or near polling stations for tours of either 8 or 12 hours. Officers performing 8-hour tours of duty are entitled to one refreshment period of 45 minutes and officers performing 12 hours are entitled to two such refreshment periods. In practice, therefore, the length of time for which officers are continuously on duty varies between 3½ and 4½ hours.

Mr. Boyd

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it comes within the definition of a refreshment period if a policeman is under instructions to keep an eye on ballot boxes from the window between two classrooms, while eating his sandwiches for lunch?

Mr. Butler

It depends on the digestion of the policeman. If there is a particular case, I will certainly look into it.