HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1775-6
40. Mr. F. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for War the appropriate organisation for dealing with conditions of service and grievances for constabulary stationed at Royal Ordnance factories; and what machinery is in operation for dealing with cases of discipline for the constabulary stationed at Royal Ordnance factories?

Mr. Sandys

Representations with regard to conditions of service or grievances of War Department constabulary stationed at Royal Ordnance factories may be made by individual constables to the senior constabulary officer of the station concerned. Moreover, any constable may apply to see the Chief Constable of the Force on such matters. With regard to the second part of the Question, all breaches of the code of discipline laid down for these constables, are referred to the Chief Constable for decision.

Mr. Anderson

Why is there no machinery for dealing with these cases in bulk, not only individually? Surely the same machinery could be put into operation as is in operation for the ordinary constabulary?

Mr. Sandys

If my hon. Friend is referring to the question of whether an association could be formed to deal with these matters, the position is that the constables are at liberty to form an association within the force, if they so desire, but that in fact they have not as yet decided to do so.