HC Deb 30 July 1934 vol 292 cc2289-91
104. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the date from which the Metropolitan Police canteens were removed from the direct control of a representative committee of the Metropolitan Police, and the names and qualifications of those who have superseded the committee; and what steps have been or are proposed to he taken to liquidate the property and assets of the canteen organisation outside those of the Receiver of the Metropolitan Police?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The proposed change in the personnel of the controlling body of the Metropolitan Police canteens has not yet taken place, but it will be made shortly. The names and qualifications of the new members of the controlling body are:

  • Mr. H. Alker Tripp, Assistant Commissioner,
  • Mr. J. R. H. Nott-Bower, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, and
  • Sir Francis Griffith, C.S.I., O.B.E., Chief Constable.
Two of these have over 30, and the third over 20, years' experience of administration. There is no question of liquidating property or assets, which will continue to be held on behalf of the whole force. The only change is in the personnel of the controlling body.

105. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in some divisions of the Metropolitan Police, during the absence of the Superintendent, the divisions have been placed in charge of inexperienced persons given the rank of Chief Inspector; and, in such cases, what are the duties of the Divisional Chief Inspector, who is a man of long experience and whom it has been the practice to appoint acting Superintendent?

Sir J. GILMOUR

In three divisions of the Metropolitan Police the Chief Inspector on the Headquarters Staff of the District concerned has in the temporary absence of the Superintendent been placed in charge of the division for a short period with the object of giving him some personal experience of the work of a Superintendent. The appointment of an acting Superintendent does not affect the duties of a Divisional Chief Inspector, but he will, of course, co-operate with the acting Superintendent in carrying out the Superintendent's duties.

Mr. McENTEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases recently the person put in charge of a division has had less than 12 months' service, no outside experience, and just a few months' experience in the office? Does he consider it fair that men with long service, who have won their position by merit, should be put out of their job by people with no experience whatever?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am satisfied that the efficiency of the Force is being maintained.