HC Deb 01 December 1920 vol 135 cc1233-4
50. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the ever-increasing risks to the police force of this country, he will again consider the advisability of arming that body with something more efficient than truncheons?

56. Mr. LEONARD LYLE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet will consider the advisability of supplying the police of this country with adequate means of defence against Sinn Fein gunmen?

Mr. SHORTT

In the Metropolitan Police any constable engaged on dangerous duty is supplied with a revolver if he desires, subject to proper precautions as to his training in handling it and instructions as to when it may be used. Other police authorities have discretion to supply their men with firearms under like conditions.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask if the high respect in which the British police are held is not due to the fact that they are not armed and do not go about bristling with weapons like the Prussian police?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is there any reason why we should not safeguard our splendid police force in the same way as is done in every other country?

Colonel LOWTHER

That is why they are killed in Dublin.