§ Mr. M'CURDYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Home Office have issued any, and what, instructions to the police force at Northampton directing them to visit manufacturers in Northampton and obtain from such manufacturers a return of the names of their employés between twenty-five and forty years of age and physically fit to act as special constables; by whose authority this Census is being made; and whether the Home Office will take steps to have such information for the future made a part of the decennial Census Returns, so as to save unnecessary trouble to the police force, manufacturers, and others?
§ Mr. McKENNAIn a circular issued in September last the local police authorities were recommended to register the names of persons willing and fit to act as special constables in the event of the appointment of special constables becoming necessary. This, I am glad to know, is being done at Northampton, as elsewhere. It would be quite impracticable to make this precautionary measure dependent on the decennial Census returns.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhat is the real intention in appointing these special constables, and what will they be used for?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey will only be used, if the necessity arises, in order to preserve order.
§ Mr. M'CURDYWill the right hon. Gentleman answer that portion of the question that asks whether instructions have been issued to the police force at Northampton directing them to visit manufacturers in Northampton and obtain from such manufacturers a return of the names of their employés, etc.?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to that part of the question is in the negative. I thought my answer had covered that point.