§ 24. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Labour why 11 police war reserves of the Solihull division were, on 11th September, instructed' by the Small Heath employment exchange to report to the Birmingham Corporation Tramways and, later, 10 of these men directed to commence work on the tramways before notice of discharge from the constabulary had been given; and how many days were allowed for appeal.
§ Mr. BevinBy arrangements with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, policemen to be made available for other employment are not discharged until alternative work has been found for them. The normal period allowed for appeals against directions is four days, and in the cases in Question the directions were 387 issued on 15th September to take effect ten days later.
§ Sir J. MellorWas the police authority consulted with regard to the strain upon the local police and the special constabulary consequent upon these directions?
§ Mr. BevinThat is a matter for the Home Secretary. The men are released and handed over to me as released men. It is my duty then to place them in other employment.