§ 40. Mr. Kellyasked the Home Secretary whether he has approved the appointment of Lieut.-Commander W. J. A. Willis, as chief constable of Rochester; whether there was no candidate from the police service who was considered sufficiently well qualified, or what exceptional qualification or experience specially fitting him for the post of chief constable was possessed by Lieut.-Commander W. J. A. Willis, in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 9 of the Police Regulations of England and Wales; and what were the special circumstances which led him to approve the appointment of a candidate over 40 years of age?
Sir S. HoarsYes, Sir. The Rochester Watch Committee, having chosen Lieut.-Commander Willis for appointment to the vacant post, satisfied me that his qualifications were exceptional and that I could properly give my approval under Regulations 7 and 9 of the Police Regulations to their appointment. Before coming to a decision, the watch committee gave careful consideration to applications submitted by serving police officers.
§ Mr. KellyCan the right hon. Gentleman say what experience Commander Willis had as a constable before this appointment?
§ Commander MarsdenIs it not the case that one of the chief qualifications of this officer is that he rose from the lower deck of the Navy by merit to the rank of Lieut. -Commander?
§ Sir S. HoareIt is perfectly true that this officer had a very remarkable career in the Navy, ending up in a post in which he was responsible for the training of 1,500 men. These, I imagine, were the facts which were taken into consideration by the watch committee of Rochester, and are facts which enabled me to confirm the appointment under the regulations.