§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Home Secretary if he will state the number of officers and constables of twenty-five and twenty-six years' service who have been retained in the Metropolitan Police Force since August, 1914; and, in view of the fact that pensioned men who have been re-employed since the War are receiving both their pensions and full pay, will he consider whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he can allow all time-expired men retained in the Metropolitan Police Force since the beginning of the War an increased weekly allowance?
2742W
Mr. SAMUELEight hundred and seventy-one officers and constables of the Metropolitan Police have given notice to retire on the completion of twenty-five years' service or upwards. Of these only 271 have completed twenty-six years' service and thereby earned their full pension. The remainder, 556 in all, by their continued service are earning an enhanced, pension. It is not proposed to discriminate in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Home Secretary whether he is a were that the average-wages paid to a constable of twenty years' service in the City and Metropolitan Police is only 40s. per week; whether since the outbreak of the War the only increase granted is a war bonus of 3s. per week, which only represents an increase of 8 per cent.; and whether, in view of the fact that food, clothing, etc., have during the War increased by at least 50 per cent., he wilt cause an inquiry to be made with a view of granting an additional increase of pay?
Mr. SAMUELPension rights are equivalent to an addition of 20 to 25 per cent. on wages, and the constable also receives uniform free and a boot allowance, together with free medical attendance and holidays on full pay. The facts with respect to the increase of prices are well known and I do not think any special inquiry is necessary.