HC Deb 26 March 1929 vol 226 cc2260-1
23. Mr. HAYES

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a statement with regard to the appointment of a chief constable for the county of Warwick?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

As the hon. Member is aware, the Standing Joint Committee of Warwickshire passed a resolution appointing, subject to my approval, Commander E. E. B. Kemble, R.N., to be Chief Constable of the County of Warwick. I have since had an opportunity of discussing the matter with the Vice-Chairman and the Clerk of the Standing Joint Committee and have informed myself fully of the details of Commander Kemble's career, which has included service in an administrative capacity In more than one appointment. I have also had the advantage of a personal interview with Commander Kemble. After the most careful consideration I am satisfied that Commander Kemble comes within the terms of the Regulations as possessing exceptional qualifications which specially fit him for the post, and in these circumstances I have decided to confirm his appointment.

Mr. HAYES

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House his special qualifications, apart from his general record, which everyone knows is excellent.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I think the record of his services is his qualification. He was Lient.-Commander of the Royal Naval Barracks of Chatham, where there are an average of 6,000 to 9,000 men; second in command of the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, and on a battleship he was Lieut.-Commander responsible for the organisation, including the administration of the police on board ship.

Mr. HAYES

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that service of this kind has no relation at all to the duties he will be called upon to discharge in the County of Warwickshire?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

In regard to that, I must say that the Standing Joint Committee must be more cognisant of the requirements of Warwickshire than anybody else. It merely remains for me, having the right of veto, to say whether in my opinion his professional career is, or is not, of such a character as to afford me reasonable grounds for sanctioning the appointment already made.

Mr. B. SMITH

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me the number of mounted police in this particular county?

Mr. TAYLOR

Does the Home Secretary not think that it is grossly unfair to the people who spend their time—

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.