§ 25. Mr. JAMES HUDSONasked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to make applicable to the appointment of chief constables or assistant chief con stables in England the same provision as in the Police (Scotland) Regulations, which requires that no person without previous police experience of five years or more shall be appointed to these posts?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the importance of securing for these posts the best possible qualifications and experience, I am not at present satisfied that I should be justified in altering the Regulations in the sense suggested, but I am giving further consideration to the whole problem.
§ 26. Mr. HUDSONasked the Home Secretary how many appointments to the office of chief constable or of assistant chief constable have been approved by the Secretary of State during the last five years; and how many of these were of persons without previous and recognised experience in the police?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn the five years ended 30th June last, 48 appointments to the 1461 post of chief constable of county and borough forced were approved by the Secretary of State. Of the persons appointed 38 had previous experience in English or 'Scottish forces, one in the Royal Irish Constabulary, six in Indian or Colonial police services, while three were appointed on special experience of other kinds. Appointments to the post of assistant chief constable are not necessarily subject to the Secretary of State's approval. On 30th June last eight of the ten assistant chief constables had had police experience before their appointments, and there was one vacancy.
§ Mr. SMITHERSDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that previous police experience is an essential qualification for one of these posts?
§ Mr. CLYNESGenerally, yes, but there are exceptional cases.
§ Mr. HAYCOCKIs military experience a first-class qualification for a chief constable?
§ Mr. CLYNESI do not say that it is a first-class qualification, but it is a qualification.
§ Mr. HAYCOCKWhy?