HC Deb 10 November 1921 vol 148 cc609-10
71. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Home Secretary under what circumstances Major E. H. T. Parsons, C.B.E., was removed from his position as Chief Constable in the Metropolitan Police after having completed 15 years' satisfactory service in the force; whether the termination of this officer's service has, in accordance with the usual practice, been notified in the Police Orders; and, if not notified in this way, what was the reason for this deviation from the usual practice?

Mr. SHORTT

Early in September, 1918, immediately after General Macready's appointment as Commissioner, Major Parsons tendered his resignation. The Commissioner asked Major Parsons to remain for a short time at his post until he (the Commissioner) had time to look round, and afterwards by letters of the 4th and 12th October he intimated his acceptance of the resignation. It is not necessary to announce the resignation of a Chief Constable in Police Orders, nor is it the usual practice to do so except in notifying the appointment of his successor. In this case the post remained vacant for several months, and the duties and conditions attaching to it had been materially altered when Superintendent Morgan was appointed in March, 1919. For this reason the words, "in place of Major Parsons," did not appear in the notification of the appointment.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this officer has entirely denied that he resigned—that he has stated that he offered to resign but that the offer was not accepted, and that he has repeatedly denied, both by letter and verbally, that he did resign; and does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair that this officer, who has rendered such good service, both previously in the Army and also for 15 years in the Metropolitan Police, should be sent off in this way without pension?

Mr. SHORTT

I am quite aware than; Major Parsons has denied that he resigned, but his denial is based on the construction of letters, and I have gone into it myself very carefully, and am satisfied that he did resign.

Sir W. DAVISON

Can the right hon.. Gentleman refer to any letter in which Major Parsons gave in his resignation, and, if so, what is its date?

Mr. SHORTT

No, Sir, his resignation was given verbally. He does not deny that he gave it verbally.

Mr. NEWBOULD

Did he do it over the telephone, as is customary?