HC Deb 19 December 1969 vol 793 c456W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the 5¼ per cent. increase since 1st September, 1968 and the 3 per cent. productivity award on 1st September, 1969, police pay is still lower than that of other groups of workers; what action he proposes to take to increase the pay of the police; and whether he will give an assurance that enough personnel will be available to introduce the 40-hour week in April, 1970 without recourse to overtime.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Pay is reviewed by the Police Council for Great Britain every two years. I understand that the next review is likely to begin in the early months of 1970.

The extent of overtime working required in each force is a matter for the judgment of its chief constable, who will from April next reduce the total weekly duty by two hours if that is practicable.