§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether 2143W he will state the number of the detective force in the Metropolitan Police area; whether it is organised as a distinct force from the ordinary police force; whether any special qualifications are required for joining the same; if so, will he state generally what they are; will he state if the rate of pay is the same as for the police force; and, if not, what extra allowances are made to officers and men in the Detective Department?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe authorised strength of the Detective Branch is 769. It is not organised as a distinct force from the uniform police. To enter the Detective Branch a constable must show special aptitude for detective work and pass a qualifying examination. The pensionable pay is at the same rate as for the uniform police, but detectives receive in addition non-pensionable allowances, which, including the plain clothes allowance, amount to 12s. weekly for Constables, 14s. 6d. for Sergeants, 18s. 6d. for Inspectors, and 21s. for Chief Inspectors.