HC Deb 04 May 1944 vol 399 cc1461-2
32. Sir Leonard Lyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the cases in which he has overridden the opinion of local authorities in regard to the employment of policewomen, with the reasons for his action in each instance.

33. Major Thorneycroft

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take Lo ensure that his policy of increasing the effectiveness of the police force by appointing women police shall not be obstructed by chief constables or watch committees who are opposed to that policy.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have not yet received replies from all police authorities, but on my present information it would appear that the majority are prepared to adopt the suggestions which I have made to them. A few cases in which police authorities remain unconvinced of the need for attested policewomen have been referred to His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary for further examination and, if need be, discussion with the police authority. I have not yet found it necessary to override the opinion of any police authority, and I hope that, as the result of reasonable discussion, no such necessity will arise.

Sir L. Lyle

Is it not a fact that chief constables and watch committees are far more likely to know what is best in their own areas than people in Whitehall?

Mr. Morrison

I have always taken the view that the views of local people must be fully taken into account, and I do not want to override them if I can help it.

Viscountess Astor

Is it not true that watch committees all over the country need more watching than anyone else?

Mr. Morrison

In the meantime perhaps the Lady Mayoress of Plymouth will see what she can do with the Plymouth Watch Committee.

Viscountess Astor

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that he wants us to be as successful in Plymouth in getting women police as we were in getting a National Fire Service?

Mr. Morrison

I am sorry that the Noble Lady has not been as successful yet about women police, but she has been very slow.