§ 4. Mr. HAYESasked the Home Secretary whether he will state the dates of application to, and approval by, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis in respect of the reference supplied by the Assistant-Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to Commander Kemble, Royal Navy, when applicant for the Chief Constableship of Warwickshire; and whether it is proposed to extend the same facilities to members of the Metropolitan police when making applications for similar appointments?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo such application was made or was necessary. The testimonial in question related exclusively to knowledge of Commander Kemble which had been gained in the Navy and was given by Admiral Royds on that footing. Applications for testimonials by members of the Force who are applying for chief constableships are considered on their merits.
§ Mr. HAYESCannot the right hon. Gentleman afford the same facilities to officers of the police as appear to have been granted to people who have no association with the Police Service?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAny officer of the service who is applying for a chief constableship can apply to the Commissioner or to any officer in the Force whom he knows, and the Commissioner can give permission, and does give permission, for a testimonial to be given.
§ Mr. HAYESDoes not the right hon. Gentleman see that there is a vast difference between an officer when submitting his application being able to append a certificate from the Commissioner and his telling the local authority to whom he is applying that they can have a certificate if they apply to the Commissioner for it?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will consider whether the Regulations can be modified in that respect.