HC Deb 22 June 1967 vol 748 cc1920-1
5. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what public buildings and other places in London members of the Metropolitan police are required to wear helmets when on duty indoors.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Dick Taverne)

The Commissioner of Police informs me that helmets are worn by police officers on duty in uniform in the Houses of Parliament, the public entrances to certain Royal residences and New Scotland Yard, and inside buildings where public events are taking place.

Mr. Van Straubenzee

Does it not follow from that very helpful answer that the Palace of Westminster is the only place where police on duty indoors are required for any length of time to wear helmets, and would it not now be appropriate that we should review this practice—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—to have regard to not only the efficiency, of course, but the comfort of the men concerned?

Mr. Taverne

I am not sure that it follows, because the public events to which I referred include those in buildings such as Wembley Stadium, Olympia and Earls Court when they are being used for public events, but certainly the general point of substance which the hon. Gentleman raises is one that we can look into.

Mr. Ogden

Would my hon. and learned Friend make some inquiries into not only the wearing of helmets in the Palace of Westminster but the weight of the cloth used for the uniforms which have to be worn on the few hot days we have during the year?

Mr. Taverne

I am not sure that would be able to employ a weighing machine, but certainly the question of the comfort of those who render such sterling service to hon. Members is one that we shall deliberate.