8. Viscountess ASTORasked the Home Secretary how many of the women who were employed as women police at the time when Sir William Horwood was appointed Chief Commissioner have ceased to be so employed and have been replaced by others?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe strength of the Metropolitan Women Police, which was 105 when the Commissioner was appointed, was reduced in 1922 to 20, as a measure of economy. It has since been increased to 50. Sixteen of the 20 women who were retained on reduction of establishment were serving on the date of the Commissioner's appointment and are still serving.
9. Viscountess ASTORasked the Home Secretary what officer or officers have carried out the duties which were performed by Mrs. F. Stanley when she was superintendent of women patrols, Metropolitan Police?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe duties, in so far as they have not lapsed with the reduced establishment and altered organisation, have since been performed by an inspector, Miss A. Clayden.
§ Miss WILKINSONAre there any women in any kind of position of authority at Scotland Yard, or are they all in subordinate positions?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSOne is an inspector.
Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that nobody has taken the place of Mrs. Stanley; and is it not also true that, if Mrs. Stanley had been at Scotland Yard, there would never have been the scandal which is now going on?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe first part of that question is a hypothetical one; and, as to the second part, it prejudges the decision of the Committee which is now sitting, and I am quite sure that my Noble Friend would not wish to do that.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDoes not the evidence before the Home Secretary show that employment as police has a degrading effect upon women?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no evidence of that.