HC Deb 06 February 1930 vol 234 cc2057-8
31. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that Police Regulation No. 9 lays down that no person without previous police experience would be appointed to the post of chief of the police unless he possesses some exceptional qualification or experience which specially fits him for the post or there is no candidate from the police service who is considered sufficiently web qualified, he will say whether a police officer whose appointment to a chief constableship has been approved by him is regarded as sufficiently well qualified to fill any similar appointment in the police service which may become vacant?

Mr. CLYNES

This is a question which could best be answered in relation to the circumstances of a particular case, but generally, I he answer would be in the affirmative.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the Home Secretary go into this matter with the same attention as he has gone into other cases, and see what effect it has on the moral of the police court if the top ranks are closed?

Mr. CLYNES

I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter has been constantly before me, and I am giving it the closest attention.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD

Has not the appointment of what may be called an outsider at Scotland Yard had a very beneficial effect?

32. Major McKENZIE WOOD

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the frequent practice of appointing men without previous police experience to the higher posts in the police force acts as a deterrent to men of higher educational attainments who otherwise would be ready to join the force as constables; whether he will have regard to this consideration in making or approving future appointments; and whether he will take steps to bring the possibilities of the police force as a career to the notice of university graduates and others of similar standing?

Mr. CLYNES

I can only say that I am giving this question my careful attention and I will endeavour to take into account all relevant considerations.