HC Deb 19 April 1923 vol 162 cc2242-3
58. Sir J. REMNANT

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that in ordinary circumstances a month's notice would have been required by the Commissioner of Police before the retirement of Inspector John Richard Stone Carter, who had secured his pension under the Police (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1915, could take effect, he can state what were the exceptional circumstances which led the Commissioner to decide, in December, 1918, to waive any question of further notice with a view to the retirement of this officer taking effect forthwith?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Bridge-man)

I understand that the Commissioner took this action because he had come to the conclusion, having regard to this officer's attitude, that it was not in the interest of the force that his service should be further prolonged.

Sir J. REMNANT

Seeing under the Police Act the Commissioner had no power to dismiss this man until notice, except in the case of some seriousoffence— and even then he had the right to have his case heard—and owing to the conditions did not have it heard—will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to place the full facts before him, which, I think, will alter the case?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I shall be very glad to discuss this very complicated case with the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. HAYES

Is not the case of ex-Inspector Carter the only case of the kind that has occurred during the War years, and was it not due to the fact that the officer made rather serious allegations against superior officers, which brought about his own retirement actually before he had been informed of it by his superior officer?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

A number of questions are involved in this matter, and I should like to have notice of that question. I cannot say off-hand whether the case is or is not the only one.