§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that it is the custom in many parts of the country for rate summonses to be served upon poor people by police officers in uniform; and whether he is in a position to take any step or make any representation with a view to abolishing this practice?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. H. Gladstone)I believe it is usual for a police officer to wear a uniform when serving a summons. In so doing he is performing a duty as a constable, and it is convenient and right that he should wear a uniform which indicates his office.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that for an offence which is in no sense a criminal one a plain clothes' officer might be entrusted with the service of these rate summonses?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEIt would be very inconvenient for the police-constable to have to change his clothes for the purpose.