§ 59. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what increase has taken place in the police force during last year; and what is the nature of the additional work devolving on it that necessitates the appointment of an additional inspector of constabulary at a salary of £1,000 a year?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)The addition to the strength of the Forces under inspection in September, 1925-26, was 590 men. The addition to the number of His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary, however, was not necessitated by any additions to the strength or the duties of the police forces, but by the growth of the work devolving on His Majesty's inspectors themselves in their capacity as advisers to the Home Office on matters of police discipline and administration.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman ask us to accept an excuse like that for this addition to the expenditure of the Home Office; and might I ask him what are the reasons at this particular juncture why the Home Office needs more advice than it needed in the past?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIn answer to the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, I do ask the House to accept the statement I have made. In answer to the second part, the Home Office has for the last year or two taken a very great interest in the discipline and management of the various police forces. I have had two of His Majesty's inspectors constantly at work, and, in my view, the appointment of a third is essential.
§ Mr. HAYESIn view of the fact that a retired pensioned officer has been appointed, would not the interests of efficiency have been better served if it had been a younger man?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think not, I think that, for the purposes of inspection of the constabulary of different counties and districts, it is very essential to have a man of great experience. This gentleman has served in the police forces through all the ranks, and has retired from the post of chief constable. He knows the police from A to Z, and I think he will make a most admirable inspector.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest to us that there has been any serious lack of discipline in the police force in recent times'?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have made no such suggestion.
§ Mr. HAYESIs the appointment due in any way to the provisions in the Police Bill that is now before the House having caused an increase in the duties of the Inspector-General of Constabulary?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, I came to my conclusion entirely without reference to that Bill. I thought that there would be ample work, in looking after the interests of the police throughout the country, for a third inspector.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONCan the right. hon. Gentleman say what pension this gentleman is receiving, in addition to his salary of £1,000 a year?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.