§ 19. Lady Apsleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider appointing a woman assistant inspector of constabulary at the Home Office, to advise chief constables on the selection and training of women police, and to represent provincial policewomen on the Police Council.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonWhile I am anxious that full use shall be made of the services of women police, I do not think that at the present time there is a case for the appointment of a woman inspector of constabulary. I have, however, arranged for the advice of senior experienced policewomen to be made available in connection with the training of the women, who are now being recruited for war-time police duties, and the selection of volunteers from the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that if the employment of women police is to be extended, there should be greater official encouragement at headquarters?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is getting plenty of encouragement from headquarters, but I cannot see why I should appoint officers, about the necessity for whose appoint- 911 ments I am not clear, merely for the purpose of encouragement. We have enough difficulties about staff now.
Viscountess AstorIs it not true that two committees have been set up to look into this question of women police, and that both agree that there should be a woman assistant inspector?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat may be so, but, if so, I disagree with them.
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is very unfair.