§ 5. Mr. DICKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that many men are out of employment who might be suitably employed upon the police duties of watching, etc., now being performed by special constables, he will arrange to have some of this work done by paid men and so reduce the amount of distress that is due to the War?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The special constables are, generally speaking, a volunteer and unpaid police force. In my circular of 17th August I suggested to police authorities that in certain cases steady and trustworthy workmen who were unemployed might be employed as special constables at a small daily fee, rather than be allowed to come on the rates, but I understand that in most cases the men best suited for the work of special constables are not to be found among the unemployed.
§ Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks, in view of the excellent conduct of the entire population, these special constables are necessary?
§ Mr. McKENNAI agree with my hon. Friend that happily so far they have had very little work to do in suppressing disorder.
§ 6. Mr. DICKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether pensioned officers of the police force are being employed on extra duties rendered necessary by the present state of the War; whether they are being paid a salary in addition to their pensions; and whether he will arrange that some of this work may be performed by men who are in distress by reason of unemployment due to the War?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative. Police pensioners have been employed to take the 972 place of constables who have gone to the front because of their experience of police duties. Unemployed men who possess the necessary qualifications for employment in the police may apply to be received as-recruits in the ordinary way.