§ Mr. REMNANTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether all constables in the Metropolitan Police Force have an equal chance of competing for any vacancies that may occur from time to time for promotion in the force, or whether those allowed to compete are specially selected for that purpose; and, if so, by whom?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEPromotion in the Metropolitan Police is not a mere question of educational fitness such as can be tested by an examination. It depends also, and mainly, on whether the man has a good record, and whether his practical work shows him to be suitable for the efficient discharge of the duties, of the higher post. Only those men who possess these essential qualifications are selected by the Commissioner to compete for promotion.
§ Mr. REMNANTCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there is any competition at all allowed amongst constables in the force for promotion, or whether it is entirely due to the favour of his superiors?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEIt is not a question of favour but of efficiency.
§ Mr. REMNANTWho has to decide that?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThe Commissioner.
§ Mr. REMNANTAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the Commissioner is the sole judge of this matter and not the superior officers?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEHe is the responsible head of the force and I have no reason to think he has in any way misused his opportunities.
§ Mr. REMNANTUpon whose recommendation does the Commissioner act?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEHe acts upon his own knowledge and upon the advice of those qualified by their position in the force to so advise him.