HC Deb 17 November 1977 vol 939 cc293-4W
22. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the average gross earnings of a police constable in the Metropolitan Police force and the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, respectively.

Dr. Summerskill

For the Metropolitan Police the most recent figure available, which is for the four weeks ending 11th October, is £.102.42 a week.

The most recent figure available for the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary,

METROPOLITAN POLICE
Year Strength at 31st December Recruits Transfers from provinces Wastage Transfer to provinces Net gain/loss in strength
1973 … 20,783 1,070 46 1,406 222 -552
1974 … 20,850 1,475 55 1,289 170 +67
1975 … 21,227 1,622 82 1,140 169 +377
1976 … 22,245 2,505 72 1,499 68 +1,018
1977 (to 30th September) … 22,126 1,294 55 1,439 45 -119
Total … 7,964 310 6,773 674 +821

that derived from the Police Council earnings survey for a four-week period in April, was £.72.55 a week.

35. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take in order to ensure that police pay keeps pace with increases in the cost of living and is appropriate to the arduous and responsible nature of the duties.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Those are matters with which the committee of inquiry under Lord Edmund-Davies will be concerned.