HC Deb 21 April 1915 vol 71 cc259-60
40. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the contents of the circular issued to the Chief Constable of Swansea and other boroughs, directing them to fill up the vacancies in the police, force caused by the Reservists joining the Colours, which was interpreted by many of them to be an instruction to fill the vacancies by men of military age?

Mr. McKENNA

I will send the hon. Member a copy of the circular letter to which I referred, from which he will see that there is nothing in the circular which could suggest to any chief constable the interpretation placed upon it.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Was there not a circular sent to chief constables prior to the one to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, of the 20th of March, which they appear to have misunderstood or to have read in such a manner that they believed that they had to enlist men of military age?

Mr. McKENNA

I know of no circular except the one of which I have sent a copy to the hon. Gentleman. I will make inquiry.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Is that the one of the 20th of March?

Mr. McKENNA

I do not remember the date. If the hon. Gentleman has not got a copy I will send him one.