§ 8. Mr. McENTEEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will advise the non-continuance of Army rank in respect of appointments in the police force in order to emphasise the civic character of such employment?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)No, Sir. I see no occasion for any action on my part.
§ 9. Mr. McENTEEasked the Home Secretary, whether he is aware that divisional meetings of the Police Federation are not allowed in the Metropolitan police; and whether he will now remove the ban in order that members of the police force may meet together for the discussion of matters affecting their welfare and efficiency with their divisional representatives?
§ Sir J. GILMOURPeriodical meetings of station and sub-divisonal representatives are allowed in the Metropolitan Police and will continue. If my hon. Friend refers to the holding of meetings open to all police of certain ranks in divisions of the Metropolitan Police Force, I am satisfied that such meetings are not required. They are not provided for in the statutory scheme of the Police Federation, and there is ample opportunity for the Federation to conduct its legitimate business otherwise.
§ Mr. McENTEEWhat is the reason for the change, as these meetings have been held for a very long period without any objection being taken by the right hon. Gentleman's Department or by the Commissioner?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I have said, we have felt it right to make certain alterations in order that the conduct of the police generally may be improved.