HC Deb 15 March 1923 vol 161 cc1779-80
81. Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the Home Secretary what is the present position the Special Constabulary Reserve (London); and what steps, if any, are intended to be taken in reference to that force, either by disbanding it or otherwise?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The Special Constabulary remains in being, but, owing to the limited application of the Special Constables Act, 1914, under which it was formed, there is now no power to main- taro its numbers by fresh recruitment, except in case of actual emergency. I hope, however, to introduce a Bill in the course of the present Session to enable the special constabularies which have been formed in connection with many police forces to be maintained on a permanent footing as auxiliaries to the regular police.