HC Deb 27 April 1939 vol 346 cc1328-9W
Sir W. Smiles

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the recommendations of the Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Prevention of Road Accidents, with regard to the experimental motor-patrol system which has been in progress in two areas in the North and South of England; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, this scheme, which involved a substantial increase in the number of police officers employed on motor patrol duties, was undertaken for an experimental period of one year which ended on the 31st March last. The experiment has been of considerable value, and the experience which it has provided is being carefully studied by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and myself in consultation with the chief officers of police who were concerned in it. As, however, the experience of one year cannot be expected to provide a final answer to many of the questions involved, it is proposed, if the police authorities and chief officers of police agree, to continue the experiment in the same areas for a further period.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed in the circumstances to offer, as an additional and final contribution, to meet the whole cost of the experiment for a further period of six months, so as to enable the experience of a second summer's working to be obtained without any charge on the local authorities. I attach great importance to the special arrangements introduced in connection with the scheme for training police officers, and in order that they may not only be continued but utilised as widely as possible, it is proposed that police officers from any force in Great Britain, and not merely from those forces directly participating in the experiment, may be given, free of charge, this special training at the schools established as part of the scheme.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has intimated that the cost of this extension to the scheme, like the cost of the original experiment, may be charged in full to the Exchequer for a further period of one year. It is anticipated that it will be possible thereafter to meet the cost of the schools in accordance with general arrangements now under discussion with police authorities.