§ MR. WATTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that only five out of the fifty-six chief constables of counties in England and Wales have been raised from the ranks; if so, will he say what class of men are preferred for these positions to those trained to the business; and will he indicate to the local authorities who have the appointments that he will not give his approval to others than constables until the proportion of those from the ranks is much increased.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI am not aware of the precise number of chief constables who can be described as having risen from the ranks, either in counties, where the proportion is small, or in boroughs, where it is much larger. Among the chief constables are included former officers of the Navy and Army, the Royal Irish Constabulary, and members of other public services, in which they have acquired the necessary qualifications. The selection of chief constables is made by the local authorities; and I could not properly interfere with the full responsibility and discretion which they are bound to exercise by giving any such direction as is suggested.