§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why 32 English and Welsh police forces work a standard 40-hour week, six forces a 42-hour week, two forces a 44-hour week and three forces a standard week that differs for constables, sergeants and inspectors; and if he will invite Lord Edmund-Davies to study these anomalies with a view to recommending a standard working week for all policemen.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees40 hours is the normal working week prescribed by regulations for federated ranks of the police. The amount of overtime worked in a particular police force, whether on a regular basis or otherwise, is a matter for the chief officer to decide in the light of operational needs. It is essential that chief officers should be able to meet operational needs. The Committee of Inquiry will be taking manpower considerations into account in its study of pay.