HC Deb 03 July 1940 vol 362 c825
33. Mr. James Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what methods are adopted by the police when making inquiries into the bona fides and character of people desiring to become members of the Local Defence Volunteers, as, in some districts, the questioning of neighbours is resented?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)

The nature of the inquiries necessarily varies according to circumstances, but, so far at any rate as the Metropolitan Police are concerned, it is not the practice to make inquiries of neighbours.

Mr. Hall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that my Question related to outside London rather than to inside? When questions are asked of neighbours, I think it may be necessary to do so; but would the hon. Gentleman see to it that people who are asked about the character of their neighbours can be assured that there is nothing sinister about the neighbours to necessitate the questions being asked?

Mr. Peake

If the hon. Gentleman has any specific instances in regard to which he would like me to make inquiries, I shall be very pleased to do so; but we ought to bear in mind the very great importance of making sure that no person of doubtful antecedents gets into the L.D.V.

Sir T. Moore

Have not the police been most efficient and tactful in carrying out their duties?