HC Deb 18 October 1945 vol 414 cc1513-4W
Captain Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is in a position to state the Government's plans for the release of auxiliary policemen.

Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can yet make a statement respecting the demobilisation of the War Reserve Police.

Mr. Garry Allighan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be able to order the release of the Police War Reserve.

Mr. Ede

I am not yet in a position to make a statement about the arrangements for the release of police auxiliaries, but I hope to do so at an early date.

Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in the police force with rates of pay and conditions of service; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Ede

I am aware that some dissatisfaction has been expressed with the new and improved scales of pay for Constables and Sergeants which were introduced early this year by my right hon. Friend who was then Home Secretary. These scales were, however, accepted by all parties on the Police Council, including the Police Federation. The Federation made it clear that while they would have liked still higher rates they could not refuse the offer which would benefit the men. In my view, the new scales represent a fair and reasonable settlement. It was made clear, at the time when the new scales were introduced, that they would remain in force for three years before they were again reviewed unless there was some radical change in the economic conditions of the country, and I can find no grounds for re-opening the question. I have recently recommended to police authorities improved scales of pay for the ranks of Inspector and Superintendent.

The conditions of service of the police are designed to meet their special position and responsibilities. These conditions are constantly under review by my Department in the light of representations by the Police Federation and discussions at the Police Council. It is inevitable that in the course of these discussions there should be some requests for modifications of conditions of service which the Government is unable to concede, but I can assure the House that the Federation's views have received, and will continue to receive, the most careful and sympathetic consideration.