§ MR. FIENNESI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the rank and qualification of a constable in charge of a police station, and, if any, what instructions are given to him; and what power is placed in his hands of retaining or dismissing a prisoner who is brought into the station.
§ *MR. GLADSTONEThe rank of the officer depends on the local circumstances. In all the more important stations he is an inspector; in minor stations a sergeant. The qualifications of the officers appointed to this post are ascertained from their record of service, and tested by departmental examination. It would be impossible within the compass of a Question to discuss the powers of the station officer, and the instructions given him; but I may refer the hon. Member specially to Section 69 of the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839, and to Section 38 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1879.