HL Deb 14 February 1951 vol 170 cc300-1

2.45 p.m.

LORD BADELEY

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living they will consider increasing the amount of the "London allowance" recommended for sergeants and constables in the Metropolitan and City of London police, in the Oaksey Report, Pt. I, para. 29.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, the London allowances payable to constables and sergeants in the Metropolitan and City of London police forces formed part of the general settlement recommended by the Oaksey Committee to which effect was given on July 1, 1949. His Majesty's Government are not prepared to propose any increase in the allowance.

LORD BADELEY

My Lords, while thanking the noble and learned Viscount for his reply, might I ask as a supplementary question whether he would bring to the attention of the Minister the fact that owing to shortages of police accommodation in the London area and increases in the cost of transport, the generous sum of sevenpence a day at which this is allowance works out is exhausted by the men in getting from their homes to their duty stations?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

I will gladly bring to the attention of the responsible Minister any observation which the noble Lord makes.

LORD BADELEY

I am obliged to the noble and learned Viscount.