§ Mr. F. GRAYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Criminal investigation Department charge county authorities for the services of their officers at the following rates, namely, inspectors £2 5s. 8d. per diem, and sergeants £1 11s. 5d. per diem, in addition to subsistence and expenses; and what is the reason for such charges, having regard to the wages actually paid to the officers of these grades?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANDetectives lent to assist in elucidating any specially serious crime are not charged for. In cases where a charge is made it is on the scale approved for the loan of police to public departments, public companies and private individuals, and the rates mentioned in the question are in accordance with this scale. The daily charge includes riot only the pay of the men concerned, but also a proportionate charge for allowances, pension and administrative expenses, and is based on the number of working days in the year. If the hon. Member desires to have further details showing exactly how the charge is computed, I shall be glad to arrange for them to be supplied to him.
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the frequency of complaint by magistrates in London as to the methods of the Metropolitan police, and the serious condemnation by the learned Recorder o London and by other magistrates of police officers for unnecessary arrests and unsatisfactory evidence; and what steps he proposes to take to restore public confidence?
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§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am not aware that there is any frequency of complaint or other reason for loss of confidence. On the contrary, I believe that, having regard to the number of cases in which the police are concerned, complaints are very few and far outnumbered by the commendations received.