HC Deb 09 November 1911 vol 30 cc1820-1
Mr. GRANT

asked what response there has been to the appeal made by the present First Lord of the Admiralty for the enlistment of special constables?

Mr. McKENNA

I believe that most of the police authorities are taking active steps on the lines suggested in the Home Office circular, but it would be impossible at present to give any exact information on the subject.

Mr. NEWMAN

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the number of special constables that have been approved and enrolled to date; and whether it is intended that they shall receive instruction in the use and management of the new pattern service pistol which is now being supplied to constables in the Metropolitan area?

Mr. McKENNA

In some boroughs special constables are being appointed under the Municipal Corporations Act; but most of the police authorities are engaged in registering the names of persons who would be suitable for appointment as special constables, but who will only be so appointed if and when an emergency arises which calls for their services. It would at present be premature to publish figures of the numbers appointed or registered; and it must be the subject of future consideration whether such publication should be made at any time. The answer to the second part of the question is, of course, in the negative.

Mr. NEWMAN

Will these special constables get any training whatsoever before they are called upon to do duty?

Mr. McKENNA

I think the regulations provide for that, but they will not be appointed except in certain boroughs under the Municipal Corporations Act. They will be registered but not appointed.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is it a fact that they are serving out in London the new pattern service pistol?

Mr. McKENNA

No special constable is having a new pattern pistol.

Mr. JOHN WARD

I mean the Metropolitan constables.

Mr. McKENNA

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice. The matter does not arise out of the question.

Mr. GRANT

Can the right hon. Gentleman state approximately the number of special constables already enrolled?

Mr. McKENNA

I have already given the reasons why it would be undesirable at the present time to give any figures on the subject.