HC Deb 06 July 1944 vol 401 cc1291-2
9. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has directed chief constables to ask members of the standing joint committees who hold responsible positions in the Special Constabulary to resign from the Special Constabulary; and whether, in view of the detriment this will cause to the Special Constabulary, he will withdraw this direction.

Mr. H. Morrison

After consideration of the report on the administration of some of the local services in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, I informed local authorities that there were, in my view, objections to a member of a local authority serving on the Civil Defence or Emergency Committee, and at the same time occupying a responsible position as a Civil Defence officer. Similar considerations apply to some extent to members of a police authority who hold responsible positions in the Special Constabulary, and I therefore asked police authorities and Chief Constables to review such appointments where they exist and to furnish me with particulars of any cases in which there were thought to be special reasons for continuing such arrangements. I think it is clear that a situation in which a person takes an active part in the management of the police force as a member of the police authority, and at the same time occupies a position of responsibility in the Special Constabulary in which he would be subordinate to the Chief Constable, is anomalous and likely to lead to embarrassment. I recognise, however, that there may be cases in which the immediate application of the principles on which my advice was based would have an adverse effect on the efficiency of the Special Constabulary, and as I have informed Police Authorities and Chief Constables I shall be prepared to consider any such cases on their merits.

Mr. Turton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some Chief Constables are writing now to members of their standing joint committees asking them to resign if they hold any connection with or any responsible position in the Special Constabulary?

Mr. Morrison

There is an alternative. I am only dealing with special constabulary holding responsible positions. I think they should either resign from the Standing Joint Committee or resign their position in the Special Constabulary.

Mr. Turton

Will not the effect of that be to deprive the Standing Joint Committees of men with experience of Special Constabulary duties?

Mr. Morrison

It is really anomalous to place someone in command over some men but subordinate to the Chief Constable, and that he should also be on the Committee to which the Chief Constable is responsible.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Would it not be a very good thing if some members of Standing Joint Committees aged about 90, who only attend about once in five years when 'a chief constable is being appointed, should resign?