§ Sir F. BLAKEasked the Home Secretary whether any grant has been paid in respect of women police appointed by local authorities; and whether it is proposed to withdraw such grant in future?
§ Mr. SHORTTA grant has been paid on the usual basis, and it will continue to be paid in respect of any police women whom, the police authorities decide to retain.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Home Secretary whether at any time the existence of women police has been officially recommended to or accepted by the Home Office as a sufficient reason for maintaining the numbers of the Metropolitan police at a lower figure than would otherwise be the case; and, if recommended, when, by whom, and to what extent?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer is in the negative. The Baird Committee came to the conclusion that police women should not be regarded as substitutes for men in a police force.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Home Secretary who were the witnesses who submitted evidence to the Geddes Committee on the subject of women police?
§ Mr. SHORTTThis question was asked on the 7th of this month and I would refer to the reply I then gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn).