§ 26. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Home Secretary whether, in cases where he is asked to approve the appointment of candidates without civil police experience to the position of chief constable, it is his practice to satisfy himself that among those who apply for the position there is no candidate sufficiently well qualified among the police to fill the vacancy?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo, Sir. Under the Regulations there are two grounds on which the selection of an outside candidate can be justified, either the special qualifications of the candidate chosen or the lack of suitable candidates with police experience. The selections submitted to me have all been supported on the former ground.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill the right hon. Gentleman say what his general policy is going to be? Is it his policy to give the police a chance of promotion, or is it to bring in outside men for the highest?
§ Mr. CLYNESCertainly, the police are given every chance of promotion. The local authorities make selections, and it is my duty to see that the men chosen satisfy the requirements of the position named in the question.
§ Mr. HANNONShould it not be the policy to get the best possible men regardless of police experience or otherwise?
§ Mr. CLYNESThat is the policy.
§ Major McKENZIE WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present course drives away men of higher education who otherwise would be attracted to the police force?