HC Deb 23 November 1927 vol 210 cc1796-7
66. Mr. HAYES

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the protest of the Westerham Council against the withdrawal of local police from their ordinary duties to special protection duties at Chartwell Manor on the arrival of the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and whether arrangements can be made from New Scotland Yard for such protection as may be necessary from time to time and thus Avoid denuding the locality of its normal police protection?

Sir V. HENDERSON

The responsibility for any special protection given to Cabinet Ministers rests primarily with the authorities at Scotland Yard, and it is the rule that officers detailed for this duty from the Metropolitan Police should accompany the Minister wherever he goes. This applies in the case of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. As a matter of routine, the local police authorities are always notified when any person receiving special protection goes to reside in their area, and it is entirely for those authorities to judge what, if any, special dispositions should be made. I have ascertained by inquiry from the Chief Constable of Kent that it is not the case that any police have been diverted in this connection from their normal duties in Westerham.

Mr. THURTLE

Can the Minister say whether the amount of police protection accorded to any special Minister depends upon the degree of nervousness of that Minister?

Mr. HAYES

Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether the fact that men have not been diverted from their ordinary duties is due to the fact that, after doing a day's ordinary duty, they are called upon to do a further tour of special protection?

Sir V. HENDERSON

I do not think that is the case. Whether any local protection is provided is entirely within the discretion of the local police authorities, and has nothing to do primarily with the Home Office.

Mr. W. THORNE

Can the Minister give any reason why this special protection is given to the Chancellor of tie Exchequer, or is it due to the fact that he has been stealing money from the Road Fund?