§ 9. Major JESSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst the recruits of the Lancashire County Constabulary; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the actions of the chief constable in this respect?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)No representations have hitherto been made to me regarding any dissatisfaction among recruits to the Lancashire constabulary. I may say, however, that I understand that, at the request of the chief constable, a special meeting of the Standing Joint Committee is being convened for the purpose of considering the general administration of discipline in the county constabulary.
§ Major JESSONWhile assuring my right hon. Friend that there is substance in the question, does he not consider that in the interests of the future efficiency of the Lancashire police force it is very necessary that these nervous apprehensions should be allayed at the earliest possible moment?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI think the answer that I have given should do so.
§ Mr. RHYSWhen the committee called by the chief constable of Lancashire has met, is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to go into the whole question of the discipline of the police force in Lancashire?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat is a matter for the Standing Joint Committee.
Mr. DAVIESDoes he not think that the time has arrived when he himself should take a hand in settling this problem?
§ 14. Major JESSONasked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation granting to members of county constabulary the right of appeal to a standing joint committee against disciplinary decisions of a county chief constable?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. There is an appeal to me if a man is dismissed or required to resign and I am not aware of any reason for any further appeal.
§ Major JESSONMay I ask why a member of a borough police force should have a right of appeal to his watch committee, a right which is denied to a member of a county police force to the Standing Joint Committee; and does not my right hon. Friend appreciate that by denying this right to a member of a county police force it gives unrivalled power to an autocratic chief constable?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. There is a final appeal to the Home Secretary, and, if there be anything improper done on the part of any chief constable, it is fully investigated by the proper authorities.
§ Major JESSONBut only in the case of a dismissal of a policeman?
§ Mr. SUTCLIFFEDoes my right hon. Friend propose to ask the watch committee for an explanation of the present unrest in the county police of Lancashire?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I have stated, an inquiry is to be held by the Standing Joint Committee, and, until they have made their inquiries and moved in the matter, I have nothing further to add.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESAfter the inquiry has been held, does the right hon. Gentleman receive a report of the decision arrived at?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNot necessarily?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. The power is in the hands of the proper statutory body. Until they think fit to apply to me, it is not my business to intervene.