§ Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary why the 6s. per week sustenance allowance, and expenses allowance up to 10s. per week granted to special constables has been suspended; and whether he will consider restoring both allowances immediately?
§ Sir J. AndersonAn allowance of is. a day to cover the cost of a meal was granted in peace time to special constables of the Metropolitan Police who volunteered for a duty which exceeded five consecutive hours. I am not aware of any expenses allowance of 10s. a week, but the hon. Member may have in mind the allowance not exceeding 10s. a day which may be paid to a special constable in consideration of wages lost while on duty. All special constables are still entitled to be reimbursed any out-of-pocket expenses incurred on duty, and part-time special constables may still be paid an allowance in consideration of wages lost while required for duty, but it would not be appropriate to continue to pay the latter allowance to a paid full-time special constable.
§ Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that special constables of all ranks, regardless of length 1591W of service, are paid the same as the newly-joined recruit; and whether he will consider a differentiation in their rates on account of both rank and length of service;
(2) why sergeants and inspectors in the special constabulary of long service are only paid £3 per week, less deductions even though often employed on the same duties as regular police officers of the same rank who receive £5 to £10 per week; and whether he will consider an immediate increase in pay to the special constabulary so that they may receive equal pay for equal service?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe majority of Special Constables have always given their services without payment and, with great public spirit, are continuing to do so during the present emergency in order to meet war conditions. There is, however, power under the Special Constables Order to pay an allowance not exceeding 10s. a day for loss of wages and in addition, provision has been made for the employment of a limited number of Special Constables on a full-time basis with pay at the rate of £3 a week. This arrangement is similar to that made for the Civil Defence services generally where pay is determined without reference to rank or length of service, and I can see no sufficient reason for altering it.