§ 18. Mr. R. A. TAYLORasked the Home Secretary whether experience as prison governor is treated as police experience, as required by the Regulations governing the appointment of chief officers of police?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo, Sir, but a candidate's qualifications and experience may clearly justify his appointment consistently with the terms of the Regulation on the subject. As my hon. Friend appears to be unfamiliar with the terms of the Regulation, I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. TAYLORHas the right hon. Gentleman recently sanctioned any appointment of chief constable without other police experience?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes, but my hon. Friend will see on reading the Regulation that the sanction has been given in conformity with the practice and the terms of the Regulation.
§ Mr. TAYLORWas there a considerable number of applications from people who had been a long time in the police service, and who were evidently qualified for this particular post?
§ Mr. CLYNESIt is not part of my duty to enter into details of that kind. My function is limited to sanctioning after the proper authority has dealt with the appointment.
§ Mr. TAYLORBefore the right hon. Gentleman sanctions any further appointments, will he seriously consider the general principle involved and its reaction on the police force?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe general principle is that covered by the Regulation, and I have acted quite within the terms of the Regulation.