HC Deb 17 December 1959 vol 615 c212W
Mr. C. Howell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the comparative figures for the commencing rate of pay and allowances for a police officer, and the maximum rate; and how these compare with the national average wage for July, 1939, 1949, and 1959.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The figures are as follows:

PAY OF A CONSTABLE
— Minimum Index of Increase Maximum Index of Increase
July, 1939 62s. a weak 100 95s. a weak 100
July, 1949 £330 204 £420 170
July, 1959 £510 315 £695 281

In addition to his pay, a constable receives a free house or quarters, or a rent allowance in lieu.

There is no recognised national average wage. The index of rates of wages which covers only manual workers in industries and services, if taken as 100 in 1939, was 183 in 1949 and is 306 in 1959.