§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why London traffic wardens, who have law enforcement duties similar to those of the police, are permitted to strike; what information he has on the reason for their strike on Thursday 27th May; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesTraffic wardens employed in the Metropolitan Police District are members of the Metropolitan Police civil staff and as such they are not governed by the provisions of Section 53 of the Police Act 1964 or of the Police Discipline Code.
As for events on Thursday 26th May, I understand that a number of wardens, some of them on and others off duty, attended a meeting called by the Civil Service Union in protest against proposed reductions in traffic warden strength. These reductions result from the application to the police service of the restrictions on public expenditure.