§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has issued, or will cause to be issued, an intimation to the effect that an efficiency grant can only be made to those county and borough councils which insert the Government's fair wage clause in all their police clothing contracts?
Mr. SAMUELThe Secretary of State is sorry that he cannot take the course suggested. Any such intimation would beultra vires and of no effect, as the statutes under which the grants in question are made do not allow them to be withheld on the grounds suggested by the hon. Member.