§ SIR HENRY SELWIN-IBBETSON (Essex, Epping)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If it is a fact that the Chief, First Class, and Local Inspectors of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan Police are not able to attain the rank of Divisional Superintendents without reverting back to duty in uniform at a lower rate of pay; and, if so, whether he will take steps to remove a restriction on the attainment of the highest ordinary post in the Force, which must have a prejudicial effect in obtaining the best officers for the Department particularly charged with the detection of crime?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the Chief Commissioner of Police that the fact is not as stated in my right hon. Friend's Question. The Chief Commissioner is responsible for the efficiency of the officers in each branch of the Service; and his method of selection and promotion has had no prejudicial effect on the efficiency of the Criminal Investigation Department.