§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it has come to his knowledge that, owing to a number of constables of the Hove police having presented a memorial, setting forth certain grievances under which they allege that they suffer, to the chairman of the Watch Committee of Hove instead of to the chief constable, the latter functionary reduced the rank and pay of the complainants; and whether he will inquire into these grievances?
§ MR. COLLINGSThe constables were punished, not as suggested in the Question by the Chief Constable, but by the Watch Committee, after a careful investigation, lasting three days. The inspector of constabulary has inquired into the alleged grievances, and reports that he considers that the action of the Watch Committee was justified. The Secretary of State does not consider further investigation necessary.