§ 39. Mr. G. Straussasked the Home Secretary whether in view of the fact that voluntary resignations from the Metropolitan police force have risen from 125 in 1935 to 178 in 1936 and 263 in 1937, and that these increasing resignations are principally due to the serious interference with the prospects of promotion of ordinary members of the force brought about by the Hendon Police College scheme, he will look into this scheme with a view to its revision?
§ Sir S. HoareThe figures show an increase of 138 in the number of resignations. Of these 96 were officers on short-service engagements whose prospects cannot be prejudiced by the Police College scheme and are indeed enhanced by the opportunity of selection for the college. No doubt the chief factor affecting the figures is the improvement in recent years in the prospects of employment in civil life.
§ Mr. StraussIn view of the fact that a number of these people unquestionably resigned because their chances of promotion had been disturbed, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is desirable to take account of the general dissatisfaction in the Metropolitan police force with the present Hendon scheme, and to revise and improve it?
§ Sir S. HoareI would not admit the assumption that there is general dissatisfaction.