§ 25. Sir R. COOPERasked the Home Secretary whether representations have been made to him that dissatisfaction has existed in a division of the Metropolitan force because one of the commanders is a German born in Germany and naturalised; and is such an appointment in the special constabulary in accordance with the Regulations that are being enforced during the War?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe commander to whom I understand the hon. Baronet refers is a British subject, having been naturalised twenty-five years ago. He is the son of a German father and a British-born mother and has a brother in the British Army. I cannot find that I have ever received any representations regarding him except a note which the hon. and gallant Member for Christchurch has just sent me, and the Commissioner of Police informs me that he is not aware of any dissatisfaction among the special constables. The appointment was made in accordance with the Regulations existing at the time of the appointment, and the Commissioner reports that the commander's reputation is good, and that he has rendered good service.
§ Sir R. COOPERDo not the circumstances of this case conflict with the statement the right hon. Gentleman made in this House on the 9th of this month, to the effect that only natural-born British people would be allowed to join the Metropolitan force?
§ Sir G. CAVEI was not aware of this case, and my answer was confined to the regular force.