HC Deb 14 February 1917 vol 90 cc645-6W
Mr. FLAVIN

asked the Home Secretary whether ho can state what increased pay by way of allowances or otherwise has been given to the members of the City and Metropolitan Police Forces since the War began; whether the average man has received only a war bonus of 3s. per week and an extra allowance of 1s. per child under fourteen years of age; and whether he can state what proportionate percentage of increase of pay or allowance has been given to meet the increased cost of living which has gone up by over 80 per cent, since the beginning of the War?

Sir G. CAVE

I would refer the hon. Member to the very full replies given by my predecessor to questions on this subject on the 12th October and the 29th November last.

Mr. GILBERT

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it has been decided to grant a gratuity to all officers and constables in the Metropolitan Police Force who have completed their full service of twenty-five or twenty-six years and who have not been allowed to retire during the period of the War; if he will state what is the amount of the gratuity and when it is payable; and whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he will recommend the payment of the same either quarterly or yearly?

Sir G. CAVE

All members of the Metropolitan Police retained in the force under the provisions of the Police Emergency Act, 1915, who had completed twenty-six years' service on the passing of the Act, or who since that date have done so, are to receive on retiring a deferred bonus at the rate of £26 a year for all approved service after that date and after completion of twenty-six years' service. In the case of men who die in the service the bonus may be paid to the widow, children, or other relatives, as the Commissioner may determine. The bonus is payable only to officers retiring with the Commissioner's permission, and when the service has been in all respects satisfactory. It can be earned only during the continuance of the War, and is not payable until after the War, unless the officer in the meantime is permitted to retire. The conditions on which this bonus is given preclude its being paid until retirement, but, of course, the officers in question enjoy the war bonus granted to all the members of the Metropolitan Police, which is paid weekly.

Mr. GILBERT

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the number of single men of military age who have been recruited for the Metropolitan Police Force since August, 1914; the number of single men who have been allowed to join the Army during the period of the War; and the present number of the special police in the Metropolitan Police area?

Sir G. CAVE

Eight hundred and sixty-one single men were recruited for the Metropolitan Police in the early months of the War. Of these, 131 have since resigned. The total number of single men engaged on naval and military duties is 1,998. Of these 783 are serving with the Colours, and 1,215 are employed on special duty at naval and military establishments. The number of special constables enrolled for general service is 22,356, and for service on particular premises 8,076. These men do one or two tours of duty a week, each tour being four hours.