§ 26. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can state the offence alleged to have been committed by the two constables in Kilmarnock for which they were dismissed by the Chief Constable; what was the record of these men when in the force; what positions these men held in the local branch of the Scottish Police Federation; and whether, in view of the indignation which their dismissal has created among all sections of the citizens of Kilmarnock, he will hold a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed by the Chief Constable that one constable was dismissed for insubordination and disobedience to lawful orders, and the other for a breach of discipline in soliciting subscriptions to pay a fine imposed on the first-mentioned constable. The records of both men were unsatisfactory, one having been previously fined for neglect of duty, and the other having been repeatedly cautioned for misconduct. One was chairman and the other secretary of the Kilmarnock Constables' Branch Board of the Scottish Police Federation. I have no authority to review the decisions of a Chief Constable in dealing with offences against discipline. The answer to the last part of the question is therefore in the negative.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the first part of my question—"whether he will state the offence?" Does he think merely stating insubordination, without stating what was the act of insubordination, is a sufficient answer to the question?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir. Matters of discipline are matters that concern the Chief Constable alone.
§ Mr. MACLEANAre we to take it that, under the police regulations, a Chief 1281 Constable can himself state what constitutes insubordination? Is he to be in the position of becoming a tyrant and the sole judge as to what is insubordination? Will you have an inquiry? That is what the people of Kilmarnock want?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. I see no reason for holding an inquiry into a matter in which I have no jurisdiction.
§ Mr. HAYESHas the right hon. Gentleman made inquiry to ascertain whether the usual procedure for inquiring into disciplinary offences was observed by the Chief Constable in this case? Were the constables, in fact, supplied with information as to the offences with which they were charged? Was the usual procedure adopted, and is there a strong feeling in the force that holding a position in the local police federation is regarded unfavourably by the Chief Constable?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. I called for a report from the Chief Constable, and I am satisfied that every necessary proper legal step was taken by him in making this examination.
§ Mr. MACLEANOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.