HC Deb 31 October 1912 vol 43 cc581-2W
Captain JESSEL

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists by reason of the lack of systematic arrangement for the provision of means of refreshment for members of the Metropolitan Police force employed away from their own districts on special occasions or special emergencies; whether he is aware that this absence of system results on such occasions and emergencies in men being compelled to fast for long periods of time; and whether he will consider the advisability of establishing a travelling canteen or other form of movable commissariat to supply the needs of bodies of men engaged upon prolonged periods of police duty?

Mr. McKENNA

The Commissioner of Metropolitan Police informs me that he has no reason to think that dissatisfaction of the nature indicated exists. As I stated yesterday, I am satisfied that the arrangements now made for police to obtain refreshments on special occasions are sufficient. It would seldom be practicable to use a travelling canteen, and if a constable were led to rely on it for his food and, as would often happen, failed to reach it owing to the crowd, there would then be dissatisfaction.

Mr. WILES

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the long hours of duty performed by the Metropolitan Police when called away from their own districts to attend State functions, strikes, aviation trials, race meetings, and other special occasions, and the difficulty which occurs at these times for constables to obtain proper or adequate refreshment, he will at once take steps to arrange for a permanent commissariat department, with officers told off for this duty in times of emergency?

Mr. McKENNA

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. and learned Member for West St. Pancras.

Mr. TOUCHE

asked the Home Secretary whether three superintendents have been appointed in connection with the vacancy caused by the resignation of Superintendent Moore, of the executive and statistical departments at New Scotland Yard; and, if so, will he state the reason for such appointments?

Mr. McKENNA

When Superintendent Moore retired, the executive branch at New Scotland Yard was in charge of one superintendent with two chief inspectors, and the officer in charge of the training of recruits at Regency Street was a chief inspector. Upon Superintendent Moore's retirement it was found necessary, in view of the growth of work, to sub-divide his charge into separate executive and statistical departments, with a superintendent in charge of each. The chief inspector in charge of the training school having become entitled by service and ability, was also promoted to superintendent. No increase of staff is involved; the two new superintendents take the place of two chief inspectors.