§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what financial incentive is offered to police officers who have been successful in passing the examination for promotion to sergeant but who, because of establishment reasons, are still designated as constables;
(2) how many police officers have passed the requisite examinations for promotion to sergeant and are still serving as constables;
(3) if he will seek to introduce an intermediate grade between constable and sergeant for those officers who have been successful in passing the appropriate examination but who have not been given the rank of sergeant.
§ Mr. George ThomasRegulation 53 of the Police Regulations 1965 provides that a constable who obtains a pass in both the qualifying examinations for promotion to sergeant shall be paid a constable's promotion examination allowance of £30. On 31st December, 1964, 9,330 constables serving in forces in England and Wales were so qualified, but passing these examinations does not necessarily mean that a constable is in all respects qualified and suitable for promotion as soon as a vacancy arises. My right hon. and learned Friend is glad that so many constables take the promotion examinations, but for the reason I have given it would not be appropriate to provide for automatic promotion to a rank intermediate between constable and sergeant.