HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc639-41W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the conditions of service of special constables. [2951]

Mr. Denham

Revisions to the conditions of service for the Special Constabulary have been circulated to forces.

The changes to the conditions of service focus on improving provisions for "unemployed" Special Constables and introduce mandatory payment of certain allowances and expenses.

We have also introduced a dedicated legal representation scheme and are working with the Association of Police Authorities and Association of Chief Police Officers to improve the local management of Special Constables.

Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend to special constables the same entitlements to free travel on London Transport as applies to regular officers; and if he will make a statement. [5108]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 19 July 2001]: The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that since 20 June 2001, members of the Metropolitan police special constabulary have been allowed to travel free of charge on all London Bus Services while on duty. Other travel operators have not made available similar concessions. There are currently no plans to extend free travel facilities to members of the Metropolitan special constabulary while travelling off duty.