§ Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary for Home Secretary how many of the Metropolitan Police Force have been removed from London to man the protection posts at the Admiralty dockyards; whether any and, if so, how many of the Metropolitan Police are now engaged on this service outside the Metropolitan area; and whether any charge will fall on the Metropolitan rates in respect of the payment and maintenance of the police who, since the War, have been on protection post duties?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is not advisable that full particulars of the strength of the police employed at naval dockyards should be published. No charge will fall on Metropolitan rates in respect of such duties.
§ Mr. KINGfurther asked the Home Secretary what are the special conditions of the service undertaken by members of the Metropolitan Police in protection post duty; whether special duty allowance is paid and, if not, why is this not done; whether lodging allowances are made to these men when removed from London; and whether travelling allowance can be made to these men when they take their leave and have long distances to travel to their homes?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf my hon. Friend refers to officers temporarily employed at naval and military stations, their duties and the conditions of service are, generally speaking, the same as in the Metropolitan Police District. Special allowances are not given save for certain duties of an exceptional character. Most of the men temporarily employed at these stations—I believe all those of the rank of constable—are unmarried. Those who are married and who do not take their families with them receive a special lodging allowance. If they take their families with them, the cost of removal is borne by public funds. There is no travelling allowance for men on leave.