HC Deb 04 February 1983 vol 36 cc208-9W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will have discussions about the possible establishment of a section of the Metropolitan police special constabulary consisting of the unemployed on a part-time paid basis, together with retired police and other pensioners, on the same basis.

Mr. Mayhew

No. The office of special constable is traditionally unpaid. The possibility of introducing some form of remuneration has been considered from time to time, most recently by the Police Advisory Board's working party which reported in 1981 and recommended that the special constabulary should continue on a voluntary basis.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the proposals of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis for improving policing in London, he will suggest that a recruiting campaign be initiated for the special constabulary service.

Mr. Mayhew

The commissioner made clear in the summary of his recommendations which my right hon. Friend placed in the Library that a determined attempt will be made to increase recruitment to the special constabulary. The Metropolitan police are currently studying ways of achieving this, including plans for further local recruiting drives later this year.

My right hon. Friend will continue to encourage all chief officers to recruit as many specials as they can usefully train and deploy.