Orders of the Day — Police, Fire and Probation Officers Remuneration Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 November 1956.
Mr George Pargiter
, Southall
I am speaking for the County Councils' Association. We have no objection to the Bill in principle, as a general question of retrospection, although difficulties are created when matters become retrospective for long periods. Under the circumstances, however, that cannot be avoided. What we ask the Home Secretary to look at is the general principle now involved, and to consider whether or not, having regard to the fact that there is now fairly adequate negotiating machinery between all the bodies concerned, the method which has made the Bill necessary is any longer desirable, and whether we should not consider the desirability of a different method, permitting a more normal type of negotiating machinery between the bodies concerned to proceed in the ordinary way, as is done in the case of other negotiating bodies. It would probably be helpful and would avoid any question of delay arising again in connection with this sort of matter.
Mr William Deedes
, Ashford
I will certainly undertake that we will have a look at that point. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, these negotiations are upon a triangular basis, and affect local authorities, the police and the Home Office, and that may cause certain difficulties, but we shall certainly take note of what the hon. Member has said.
Mr Geoffrey De Freitas
, Lincoln
During the Second Reading debate several hon. Members referred to the possibility of the back pay of the police, the fire and probation officers being made before Christmas. I wonder whether the Joint Under-Secretary can say anything about that. I understand that in the case of a police constable the sum involved may be as much as £20, which is quite substantial. We should all appreciate it if he could make it his policy that the Christmas of policemen, firemen and probation officers will be happier by reason of this back pay than it would otherwise have been.
Mr William Deedes
, Ashford
It is hoped that the Bill will receive the Royal Assent in time for the back-dating regulation to produce a cash payment before Christmas. The Bill has now gone a long way towards achieving that objective. The question which should be borne in mind is the actual administration by the police authorities if and when the Bill receives the Royal Assent. I understand that the Metropolitan Police, for whom, in a sense, my right hon. and gallant Friend is answerable, will manage to do the job if Royal Assent is given by mid-December. I do not think that I should take it beyond that.
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