§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the total additional cost to the Metropolitan police of the House sitting (a) from 10.30 pm to midnight and (b) from midnight to 2 am, or for other such period for which figures are conveniently available.
§ Mr. HurdThe normal shift for a police officer engaged on internal duties at the Palace of Westminster runs from 2 pm to 10 pm. If the officer has to remain on duty after 10 pm, he becomes entitled to overtime. The number of officers deployed on such duties depends on whether one or both Houses are sitting. The additional police overtime costs incurred between 10 pm and midnight are as follows:
£ House of Lords only 252.00 House of Commons only 666.82 Both Houses sitting simultaneously 738.34 The costs are doubled if the overtime continues to 2 am.
In addition, total meal allowances up to a maximum of £38.08, £103.04 and £114.14, respectively, may be claimed if the officers remain on duty after 11.15 pm.
The costs of policing the Palace of Westminster are met by the House authorities.