HC Deb 04 July 1957 vol 572 cc1293-4
26. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the numbers of police regularly on duty in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace have been strengthened in recent months; and for what reason.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The number of constables employed at Buckingham Palace has been increased to avoid the need to call on Cannon Row Police Station to provide reliefs. There has, however, been no increase in the number of officers on duty at any one time.

Mr. Robinson

Will the Home Secretary assure himself that there is not an excessive number of police doing this work? Is he aware that the inactivity associated with this type of guard work is apt to lead to frustration amongst the police when there are so many active jobs to be done?

Mr. Butler

I gather that the number at Buckingham Palace was increased only in order to avoid the need to call on the police station whose name I gave. I do not think there is any reason for me to re-examine the position.