§ 19. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of magistrates in certain parts of the country in nominating and appointing people to act as special constables; whether any order or notice has been issued from the Home Office instructing or authorising magistrates or others in authority to act in this manner; and, if so, whether he will state the reasons for the issue of such order or notice?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have issued no such instructions, but the duty which rests upon police authorities to see that proper provision is made for public security does not depend on instructions from me.
§ Mr. HAYESIs the enrolment of special constables now proceeding under the Special Constables Act, 1923; if not, what was the reason for bringing in that Bill which was ultimately made law by the party opposite?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think that question should be put down.