asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the average number of hours of overtime worked by members of the C.I.D. for the week ending Saturday, 22nd November, 1947.

In the Metropolitan police force during the week in question, the average overtime of members of the C.I.D. was about 16¼ hours. I am not in a position to give the equivalent figures for other forces.

In view of his answer and the excellent work done by these officers, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they received payment for these extra hours worked, and, if not, would he take some action to alter the anomalous position which at present exists?

At the moment, the detective forces do not get payment for overtime. The amount of overtime at present is, I think, rendered somewhat excessive by the number we are short of establishment in the force, but the question of a just treatment of this matter is engaging my attention.