39. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Home Secretary whether he has yet approved of the appointment of the Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire, Commander Legge: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that he has no previous police experience and that his age exceeds the statutory limit; and whether any applications were called for from the officers of the police forces?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe matter is under my consideration. I am aware that Commander Legge has had no previous police experience and that by reason of his age the appointment is subject to my approval. The vacancy was advertised, and I am informed that 50 applications were received.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Lord Byng had no previous police experience, and consider how well he has done?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe two cases are very different, but the matter is under my consideration.
Mr. ADAMSONHas my right hon. Friend gone through the qualifications of the other applicants for this post, and can he say why the age was raised on behalf of the application of the second son of a Staffordshire Earl?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe case has only quite recently come before my notice, and, as I said, it is being considered. I have not yet exhausted all the material evidence.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe have many more questions on the Paper.