§ MR. D. CRAWFORD (Lanark, N.E.)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether the attention of the Secretary for Scotland has been called to the complaint of Walter Stewart, for eight years a constable in the Renfrewshire Police Force, who had been rewarded for meritorious services, and who was informed by letter on the 9th August, 1885, that his services would no longer be required after 7th September; whether, in the previous year, the constables had petitioned the Commissioners of Supply to adopt the first Government model scale of pay, with a view to increase of pay, and the scale was adopted, but was followed by new arrangements, which resulted in a diminution instead of an increase of pay; whether Stewart had 1137 committed no offence, except to represent this respectfully to the Inspector of Constabulary on 31st July, 1885, when the men were asked whether they had any complaints; whether he is aware that it is alleged that the example of Stewart has intimidated other constables, who suffered from the same grievance, but are afraid to complain, whether the Secretary for Scotland will protect the constables in exercising their right of complaint when Her Majesty's Inspector invites them to make complaints; and, whether, if the facts as above stated are correct, he will give Stewart some redress, or use his influence to obtain some redress for him?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)The attention of the Secretary for Scotland has been called to the case of Walter Stewart, from whom no complaint was received for 21 months, and till after the recent death of the Chief Constable, who alone could have fully explained the circumstances of the case. The result of the inquiry which has been made was communicated to Stewart on the 13th ultimo. The effect of the adjustment of the model scale of pay is correctly described by the hon. Member. But the Police Committee state that this matter has long since been rectified; and that if there are constables still dissatisfied any representation, they may make to them will be duly considered. The Police Committee have been unable, in consequence of the death of the Chief Constable, to furnish the specific ground upon which notice of discharge was given to Walter Stewart. But the hon. Member must, from his experience, be fully aware that the right of dismissal or discharge rests entirely with the Chief Constable. The Secretary for Scotland has no grounds to believe that the late Chief Constable exorcised his statutory powers otherwise than for the well-being and good discipline of his police force; and he cannot, therefore, promise any further redress to Walter Stewart. The Secretary for Scotland has no ground for supposing that constables require protection if they complain to the Inspector of Constabulary; and it would be detrimental to the control and discipline of police forces in Scotland to interfere generally with the statutory powers of Local Authorities.