26. Mr. ERNEST WINTERTONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Freeman Newton, the present Chief Constable of Hereford, was appointed to that position in 1928 after having failed to obtain a medical certificate of fitness both from the Hereford police surgeon and from another Hereford surgeon; and for what reasons the appointment was sanctioned in such circumstances?
§ Mr. CLYNESDoubt at first arose with regard to a purely local affection from which the Chief Constable was found to be suffering, but, after examination by an independent medical authority, he was given a certificate of fitness by the medical officer of the Force and the appointment was accordingly confirmed.
Dr. MORGANIs it the policy of the Home Office in confirming such appointments to allow a medical specialist admitted by the claimant himself to override all previous medical certificates?
§ Mr. CLYNESThis case relates to 1928, and I can only say that the policy of the Home Office is to be satisfied that a medical certificate rests upon proper medical authority, and in this instance it appears to do so.
Mr. WINTERTONIs it competent for an applicant of this nature to get a certificate from a friend who is a private doctor when that friend is interested in his appointment? [Interruption.]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is a very old case.
§ Mr. MATTERSIs the gentleman mentioned also Chief Constable of the Hereford County Police?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat has nothing to do with this question at all.
27. Dr. MORGANasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the petition sent to him a month ago, bearing the signatures of over 4,000 citizens and electors of Hereford, praying for a public inquiry into the police administration of that city; whether the petition has yet been acknowledged; whether he has made any investigations; and whether, before coming to a decision in relation thereto, he will receive a deputation from Hereford?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have received a petition which was presented personally at the Home Office by a deputation from the Hereford Trades and Labour Council. The receipt of the petition has been acknowledged. I have the matter to which the petition relates under my careful consideration. I should, of course, be prepared to consider any representations from any persons who have material information to give, but such representations should be submitted in writing in the first instance and I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by my receiving a further deputation at the present time.