§ 32. Mr. HICKSasked the Home Secretary the terms and conditions of the appointment of Colonel the Hon. Maurice Drummond as chief constable of the Metropolitan Police; whether there are any special duties attaching to his office; and whether consideration was given to the appointment of an experienced police officer as well as to an officer from the Royal Air Force?
§ Sir J. GILMOURColonel Drummond's appointment is subject to the usual terms and conditions applying to holders of the rank of chief constable in the Metropolitan Police Force. He has been assigned special duties in connection with the organisation of the Force and is working directly under the Commissioner. All relevant considerations were taken into account before the appointment was made.
§ Mr. HICKSIs it not a fact that Colonel Drummond is on half-pay from the Air Force and is a soldier and a policeman at the same time?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI think that question had better be put down.
§ Mr. HICKSIs this appointment definitely additional to the ordinary strength of the Yard, and if it is, in view of the fact that the wages of the police are being cut down, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it a queer form of economy?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis appointment has been made for a special purpose and is desirable from the point of view of the efficiency of the Force.
§ Mr. LUNNWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not there were suitable police officers in the country who might do equally as well as a man who has never had any experience of the police?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Chief Commissioner is the best judge in selecting a man for the job he required to be performed. With regard to the other question, I understand that this is not a, new appointment, but filling a vacancy.
§ Mr. HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of aggravation in the Yard about the appointment?