§ MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)I beg to ask the Secretary of 1258 State for the Home Department what will be the position of old soldiers now serving in the Metropolitan Police in the event of their accepting the invitation to re-enlist for one year; will they be entitled to receive half their pay while with the colours; and will their posts be kept open for them with a view to their return to the force.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. JESSE COLLINGS,) Birmingham, BordesleyI must refer the hon. Member to an answer to a similar question given by the Secretary of State on the 2nd of March,* when he stated that metropolitan police constables cannot, as the law stands, join the Royal Reserve battalions without ceasing to be members of the force, and that, in the interest of the protection of the public, he was not disposed to recommend any change in the law.