§ MR. W. LOWTHER (Westmoreland, Appleby)I beg to ask the Home Secretary whether anything has been decided with regard to the appointment of the new Chief Commissioner?
§ MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)On this subject I wish to ask whether it is true, as stated in yesterday's Standard, that there is reason to believe that through the action of Lord Salisbury the differences between Mr. Matthews and the Chief Commissioner of Police will be adjusted, and in that event Mr. Monro's resignation will be withdrawn?
§ MR. MATTHEWSIn answer to my hon. Friend, I have to say that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of the appointment of Sir Edward Bradford as Commissioner of Police, to the office just vacated by the resignation of Mr. Monro. I need say nothing to the House of the distinguished career and services of Sir E. Bradford.
§ MR. C. GRAHAMIs Sir E. Bradford an old military officer or not?
§ MR. O. V. MORGANWas Sir E. Bradford the gentleman who has been a distinguished Resident and Representative in Jeypore?
§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)Can the right hon. Gentleman state what experience Sir E. Bradford has had with regard to the control of civil bodies responsible for order?
§ MR. MATTHEWSSir E. Bradford has had a wide and varied experience in many offices of the Public Service. At the present moment he is employed in the India Office. He was for some years Governor General's Agent for Rajpootana. In that capacity he conducted the whole military and civil service of the district, and rendered most valuable services to his country. He has also been for many years an officer in the Madras army.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)Has he ever been in charge of any police force such as we have in the Metropolis?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am not quite sure what the hon. Member means.
§ MR. C. GRAHAMAmong Europeans.
§ MR. MATTHEWSHe has commanded the police, as I have stated.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORI wish to ask whether the services of this gentleman have always been employed in Asiatic countries, and not among people of English race.
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo, Sir; he has been employed in this country in connection with the India Office since 1887.
§ MR. J. ROWLANDSHas he in the India Office been connected with bodies which can at all be considered to have such functions to perform as the police of the Metropolis have?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI believe Sir E. Bradford to be, both by character and experience, thoroughly qualified.