HC Deb 04 July 1957 vol 572 cc1292-3
22. Mr. Parkin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will authorise hot weather relaxation of dress regulations in the Metropolitan Police, to give at least the same degree of comfort as those operating in many county police forces.

33. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Metropolitan Police are not allowed some relaxation in dress in hot weather.

Mr. R. A. Butler

A lightweight uniform jacket was introduced a few years ago for wear by the uniformed sergeants and constables of the Metropolitan Police in the summer, and I am not aware of a need for any further change.

Mr. Parkin

Will the Home Secretary take the opportunity to get around a bit and see how in other police forces tasks are carried out with great dignity and surely greater efficiency by police constables who are allowed more relaxation of dress in this sort of weather? Is it not rather terrible when the Metropolitan Police have the greatest difficulty in enforcing parking regulations, speed limits and the laws on betting, and in combating prostitution, and the only regulations they have to enforce are these out-of-date dress regulations?

Mr. Butler

A constable on traffic duty may wear a white linen coat in place of the jacket. It is, however, possible for the Commissioner to make further relaxations and to give instructions that duty may be performed in shirtsleeves. Furthermore, a number of provincial forces may also be allowed to do duty in shirtsleeves. A working party of the Police Council is at present considering certain aspects of police uniform, including summer dress, and therefore, the hon. Member is pushing at an open door.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Ayrshire the police have been operating for the last three weeks in shirtsleeves, which adds greatly to their dignity?

Dame Irene Ward

Would my right hon. Friend come to Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he will see a very effective and smart police force in pale blue shirts, looking extremely nice? In view of the fact that to almost every supplementary question my right hon. Friend has said how glad he is that we are pushing at an open door, could he come up to Newcastle? Perhaps then he 'will be able to take action instead of making semi-promises.

Mr. Butler

If I can be assured that my hon. Friend will show me round, I shall be glad to come.