Question 4: Police Patrol

During a miners' strike, the coal mine owner requested police protection for the 'safety men' who maintained the mine without whose services the mine would be flooded out. The authorities considered that mobile patrols calling from time to time at the mine would be enough to prevent trouble. The parties eventually agreed that a force of police would live at the mine, but that their services would be paid for a specified rate.

After the strike ended, the owners refused to pay, claiming that it was a duty imposed by law on the police to protect citizens, and that the performance of a public duty could never be good consideration for a promise to pay.

Issue: Are the owners correct?

Hint: The following cases will be helpful;

Stilk v Myrick

Williams v Roffey Bros