§ 17. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Home Secretary whether the special constabulary is limited to British-born sons of British parents of European descent?
§ Mr. PeakeThis matter is in the discretion of the police authorities. In the Metropolitan Police District it is the normal rule that applicants for enrolment must be British subjects of European descent and of British parentage, but exceptions to this rule may be made in suitable cases.
§ Mr. BartlettWould it not be better altogether to abolish the rule, in view of the fact that, for example, Indians serving this country have the right to His Majesty's commission? Is it not right that they should be allowed to serve their Empire in the same way?
§ Mr. PeakeThe hon. Member must bear in mind that in time of war the special constabulary are granted very special powers, and I think that trouble might arise if powers, for instance of arrest, were to be exercised by persons who did not appear to be of pure British extraction.
§ Mr. BartlettIs that not a very undemocratic statement, and ought not the Government to do their best to put an end to that sort of prejudice?
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWhat does the hon. Member mean my "pure British extraction?"