HC Deb 17 February 1944 vol 397 cc323-4
18. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state the number of counties in which the approval of police appointments is still obtained from the justices in petty sessions.

Mr. H. Morrison

I understand that this is the general practice, but I have no detailed information as to the procedure followed in every individual county police force.

Mr. Rhys Davies

May I ask the Minister whether he is aware that there is a tendency on the part of some chief constables to ignore these justices in the appointment of policemen and will the right hon. Gentleman look into that?

Mr. Morrison

If the hon. Member has any particular cases, I certainly will look into them. This legal provision comes from the year 1839, and I think it is a little bit out of date, but still it is the law. I will take notice of any cases to which the hon. Member cares to draw my attention.