HC Deb 13 June 1939 vol 348 cc1078-9
16. Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Chief Constable of Glasgow has appointed five superannuated superintendents to positions in Glasgow; and whether the police committee of the town council and/or the Lord Provost of Glasgow were consulted before those appointments were made?

Mr. Colville

I am informed that no such appointments have been made by the chief constable.

Mr. Maclean

Is it not the case that that statement has already appeared in practically all the Glasgow newspapers, and that it is asserted that this was done without consultation with the police committee, and if the chief constable, as I understand, is taking steps to appoint these five individuals, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the chief constable consults with the police committee of the town council?

Mr. Colville

I have been in touch with the proper authority, and the answer is as I have given it.

Mr. Maclean

Will the right hon. Gentleman use the powers that he possesses to see that the chief constable does not make appointments without consulting the police committee of the City of Glasgow?

Mr. Colville

I have no doubt the chief constable recognises the need of consulting with the police committee.

Mr. Maclean

Is it not the case that the chief of police of Glasgow comes partly under the power of the local authority, and that questions which the local authority considers to be important cannot be dealt with without consulting it?