§ 34. Sir EDWIN CORNWALLasked the Home Secretary whether he will supply the Metropolitan special constables with uniforms suitable for summer wear?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe special constabulary have up to the present performed their duties admirably without being in uniform, and for many reasons it is desirable that their status as an honorary aid to the regular police should be preserved. I may add, moreover, that in view of the urgency of the need for large quantities of clothing for the New Armies, it has been decided, at the request of the Army Council, to postpone the current issue of summer clothing to the regular force.
§ Sir E. CORNWALLDid not the Home Office issue overcoats to some of the special constables for use in the winter, and if they did so, why cannot the men have suitable clothing for the summer?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe issued overcoats because it was a special strain upon the clothes of special constables during the winter months. There will be no equal special strain upon them during the summer months.