§ MR. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)asked, Whether it was true that Sir Charles Warren had issued an Order to prevent constables from serving more than three years in 717 the House of Commons, and to remove men who had served the House more than a quarter of a century, and whose knowledge of Members was of great value? He also asked, whether the Home Secretary could prevent such an Order from being carried out?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! A similar Question is upon the Paper.
§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether Sir Charles Warren has issued an Order that, in future, no constable or sergeant shall serve at the Houses of Parliament for a longer period than three years; and, if so, whether, before the issue of this Order, Sir Charles Warren communicated with the Authorities of this House, and obtained their sanction to the proposed change?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)An Order has been issued by the Commissioner of Police that no constable should serve more than three years at the Houses of Parliament, except in very special and deserving cases. No official communication was made to the Authorities of the House with respect to the Order, which was issued, after careful consideration, as the most desirable plan in the interests of Members and the safety of the House. I am not aware that it will meet with objection from the Authorities; but I shall be happy to discuss any objections which the hon. Gentleman thinks the Order is open to.
§ MR. PICKERSGILLOn the earliest opportunity I shall call attention to the anomaly that servants of this House are under the control of an alien authority, and shall move a Resolution.