§ 20. Mr. McENTEEasked the Home Secretary if the medical advisers of the Metropolitan Police force have indicated the ages during which a constable should be in the highest physical condition; and whether, having regard to the prolongation of life as shown in recent statistics, a man aged 50 years is no longer to be considered fit to do the normal duties of a policeman?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the question is in the negative. But I would suggest that the hon. Member should refer to the White Paper in which the reasons for instituting a short service class of constables in the Metropolitan Police have been explained, and he will see that the case for this proposal is not based on merely medical considerations.
§ Mr. McENTEECan the right hon. Gentleman give us any reasons why these constables should be compelled to resign so early, when Cabinet Ministers can keep on indefinitely into their second and third childhood?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe conditions are very different.
§ 16. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Home Secretary whether, in drawing up his proposed Bill for reforming the Metropolitan Police, he will include any provisions to enable more satisfactory co-operation between that force and the provincial police with a view to the more effective prevention of crime?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not think that such a provision would be within the scope of the Bill. My hon. Friend will have seen that it deals only with necessary amendments of existing statutes to enable effect to be given to the proposals in the White Paper which has been laid before Parliament.
§ Captain MACDONALDDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is a favourable opportunity to bring about a closer liaison between the Metropolitan and the provincial police?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWe are always glad to be able to do what we can to assist that, but I do not think that this is an appropriate opportunity.
§ Mr. LUNNWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that these snobbish militarist proposals will not be imposed on the provincial police?