§ 43. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the shortage of policemen in most of the forces of the country; what is the weekly wage of a constable, sergeant, inspector and superintendent; and what steps are being taken to improve the conditions as a step toward attracting more suitable men to our police forces.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerAlthough most police forces have vacancies, only a small number are substantially short of men. The strength of forces generally has been steadily rising for many months and is higher than it has ever been. With permission, I will circulate the weekly pay rates in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Questions of pay and conditions of service are considered by the Police Council for Great Britain.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question of wages in the force is a discouraging effect upon men who want to join? Will he hurry
| — | Provincial | Metropolitan | |||||||||||||
| Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | ||||||||||||
| £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | ||||
| Police Constable | … | … | … | 9 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 10* | 12 | 13 | 0* |
| Sergeant | … | … | … | 13 | 6 | 5 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 6 | 5* | 14 | 9 | 5* |
| Inspector | … | … | … | 15 | 16 | 3 | 16 | 19 | 3 | 16 | 7 | 9 | 17 | 10 | 9 |
| Chief Inspector | … | … | … | 17 | 18 | 5 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 0 | 4 | 19 | 7 | 2 |
| Superintendent, Class II | … | … | … | 21 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 16 | 3 | 21 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 16 | 3 |
| Superintendent, Class I | … | … | … | 23 | 19 | 2 | 25 | 6 | 0 | 25 | 13 | 9 | 27 | 0 | 7 |
| Chief Superintendent | … | … | … | 26 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 8 | 3 | 30 | 17 | 3 | 32 | 19 | 5 |
| *A London allowance of 7s. 8d. is also payable. | |||||||||||||||
| These figures are exclusive of allowances for rent, boots and uniform. |