HC Deb 16 May 1922 vol 154 cc214-5
22. Sir JAMES REMNANT

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Police-constable Kenzie, who rejoined the West Sussex police in 1919 after three years' service with His Majesty's forces in France during the late War, has been discharged as a result of a recent medical examination; and whether, in view of the request made by the Home Office in 1918 to watch committees to provide employment for discharged soldiers wherever possible and an earlier request from the Government to police authorities in Scotland to reinstate constables discharged as unfit for the Navy and Army, he would be prepared to urge police authorities to retain in the service the men who served in the late War even should they be found on medical examination to fall short of the approved standard of physical fitness?

Mr. SHORTT

I am informed that after-this constable's discharge from the Army he was found to be physically unfit, for police duty owing to an accidental injury which he received during his military service, and he then obtained an appointment as inspector under the R. S. P.C.A. Subsequently his condition improved somewhat and he was reappointed to the force; but the improvement was not maintained and the police-authority recently decided that he should be discharged on gratuity as soon as he had obtained other employment. I understand he is returning to his former post with the R.S.P.C.A. This constable appears to have been treated with every consideration, and I do not think there is any occasion for me to communicate with police authorities generally in the sense which the hon. Baronet suggests.

Sir J. REMNANT

Are there not other cases where ex-service men have been discharged—men who owing to his appeal were reinstated by the authorities since the Armistice and have carried on their duties quite satisfactorily Are they not being dismissed now on the ground of economy? Will he personally look into the matter and stop that as far as possible?

Mr. SHORTT

If my hon. Friend will give me any particular instance, I will certainly look into it. The question, however, referred to a general appeal—to a circular letter to the authorities.

Sir J. REMNANT

It was on a general appeal that they were reinstated.