§ 13. Mr. JAMES GARDNERasked the Home Secretary why a chief inspector and three other officers in the Public Carriage Department of Scotland Yard have been reduced to the rank of constable; and will he make a statement in regard to the matter?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend does not know what are the particular cases that my hon. Friend has in mind, but it is the fact that the conduct of certain officers connected with the Public Carriage Department has recently been the subject of disciplinary proceedings, arising out of their alleged improper relations with persons having business with the Department. As some of the officers concerned have not yet exhausted their rights of appeal my right hon. Friend regrets he cannot make any further statement at the present time.
§ Mr. GARDNERAre there so many of these cases that the hon. Gentleman cannot identify particular individuals; is he aware that there is great alarm among the public concerning the practice of this department in regard to licensing; and will he also state what circumstances led to the deposition of these particular officers?
§ Mr. SHORTAs these officers have the right of appeal, and have not yet exercised it, I do not think that I ought to be pressed to make any further statement.