§ The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Major COHEN:
§ 9. "To ask the Home Secretary whether action is contemplated, by legislation or otherwise, to make compulsory the employment of policewomen in county and borough forces."
§ Major COHENBefore putting this question, may I point out that my question, when handed in, did not ask whether any action was contemplated, but whether, if the matter contained in the last part was desirable, legislation would be necessary?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid that I have prepared an answer to the question on the Paper, which is that I do not think it is a matter for compulsion but one which should be left to the discretion of the local authorities. I have always felt that legislation would be necessary, but I am not quite certain on that point. In any case, I should not like to exercise any powers I have over these great local authorities, which I think would be an infringement of the right of local self-government.