§ 31. Mr. LUNNasked the Home Secretary for what reason special constables in London are given access to confidential books which are not open to inspection by the lower ranks of the police service?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Commissioner of Police has inquired, but cannot find that any members of the special constabulary are given access to books which would not be open to the lower ranks of the regular police service. He informs 903 me that special constables below the rank of Sub-Inspector are not usually given access to any Police books at all.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an ordinary policeman must be in the Force a good many years before he is allowed to see these confidential books; and why should the opportunity be given to special constables, immediately upon their entering the Force, to see them?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have said, in answer to the question, that my information is that no one in the special constabulary is given access to books which would not be open to the lower ranks of the regular police force.