§ 35. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department with what unions the Metropolitan Police have discussed wages and conditions of service of school-crossing patrols; and when an agreement was last reached.
§ Mr. RentonThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis negotiates with the National Union of Public Employees, the National Union of General and Municipal Workers and the Transport and General Workers Union on the wages and conditions of service of school-crossing patrols. An agreement was last reached in 1958, providing for an increase of pay with effect from 1st January, 1958.
§ Mr. ParkerWill the hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that in part of the County of Essex, under the county police, school-crossing patrols now receive half-pay for the school holiday period, whereas patrols in the Metropolitan area are paid nothing at all. There is a good deal of friction in this matter. Cannot the hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to get a national agreement covering the whole country, including the Metropolitan Police District and various other police areas?
§ Mr. RentonI understand that the present negotiating machinery, which includes provision for arbitration, is working smoothly. I do not think that it would be right for me to comment specifically on the way in which it has worked in a particular part of the country. If the hon. Gentleman cares to get in touch with me on the matter, I will be glad to consider it further.