§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Homo Department whether he is aware that the volunteer police force intend to issue to their men uniforms and life preservers; and whether he will call for samples of these and see that the uniform is not a colourable imitation of that of the police?
§ Mr. PONSONBYasked whether this force has been raised by, or at the instance of, the railway companies and mining companies; and who is the president of the force and responsible for its behaviour?
§ Mr. MORRELLasked (1) when and by whom the right hon. Gentleman was informed of the proposal to organise a force of volunteer police, and under whose orders these police will act; (2) whether he has considered the added danger of a breach of the peace that may arise through the organising and arming of a force of volunteer police to act under the orders of private persons during a time of strike; and whether he has any reason to suppose that the ordinary police forces of the country are not sufficient to preserve order?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The Home Secretary was first informed of the proposed volunteer police on 16th September last by Mr. W. M. Power. As I have already explained in answer to questions in the House, I am in no way responsible for the organisation. I have no knowledge of the body except from the statements which it has published. From these I learn that the Duke of Abercorn is president of the force, but the extent of the president's functions and responsibility are not set out. I do not know whether any railway or mining companies are supporting the movement. It is stated that the volunteer police force are to wear a distinguishing uniform, or, at any rate, a badge. It is a statutory offence, both in the Metropolis and elsewhere, to assume the dress or otherwise pretend falsely to be a member of a police force. It is well known that the ordinary police forces of the country are not and cannot be made so powerful as to be capable of maintaining law and order unaided in all emergencies; and it is the duty of all citizens to assist them in so doing. But 1010 it appears to me that all those who desire to fulfil that duty should not form an independent organisation whose methods inevitably become open to suspicion, but should put themselves in direct communication with the responsible police authorities. The Home Office has recently advised the police authorities to take steps to supplement the ordinary force should occasion arise; and the additions to the strength of the police so provided will act under the directions of the chief constables.
§ Sir W. BYLESIf private citizens do discharge the duties indicated would it not then be unnecessary at any time to call in the military to keep civil order?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is a hypothetical question which I cannot answer without reference to a particular case.
§ Sir W. BYLESSurely it is not hypothetical.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODWill this volunteer force have any power to effect arrests, as they state in their communications to members?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey will have powers no different from those of ordinary citizens. They will have no special powers.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the right hon. Gentleman any objection to an organisation of labour forces in a similar way, to be armed with similar weapons?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Gentleman will see the perils and dangers anybody must run who attempts to enrol an organisation of this sort.
§ Mr. JAMES ROWLANDSWill the right hon. Gentleman take an opportunity of informing the public of the difference between these bodies and ordinary special constables organised by the police authorities when required?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think that suggestion an extremely valuable one; but I am not yet aware that this body is in existence.
Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate his condemnation of this movement to the Duke of Abercorn?
§ Mr. McKENNAI should think the Duke will be aware of what takes place in this House.