HC Deb 09 May 1940 vol 360 cc1390-1
29. Mr. Silverman

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given his approval to the recent appointment of a chief constable in Liverpool; and whether his attention has been called to the general public dissatisfaction which has been caused by the method of selection followed?

Sir J. Anderson

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. I am not aware that the method of selection has given rise to any public dissatisfaction.

Mr. Silverman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was no advertisement, public or private, of the vacancy, that no opportunity was given to any person to make application to fill the vacancy, that the City Council was prevented from discussing the matter, and does he think in those circumstances that this gentleman is likely to have the confidence of anybody in the city?

Sir J. Anderson

I think these are mainly matters for the local authority. Although advertisements are the general practice they are by no means the gen- eral rule where, as in this case, the Watch Committee of this authority recommend that the appointment should go to an officer who has for a long period held the position of deputy.

Mr. Silverman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any other instances at all in which such an appointment has been made against no competition of any kind from anybody?

Sir J. Anderson

I am aware of another case within the last few months where the appointment of a deputy was made without advertisement.

Mr. Silverman

I am not talking of a deputy but of a chief constable.

Sir J. Anderson

I am referring to the appointment of a deputy to be chief constable.