§ 66 and 67 Mr. Hubbardasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) the number of special constables in Scotland in September, 1939; the number available at present;
(2) Whether, in view of the increasing relaxation of special war-time conditions, he will facilitate the release from the Special Constabulary of men who have expressed a wish to resign.
Mr. JohnsonPart-time special constables in Scotland numbered 17,684 in September, 1939, and 14,452 in January, 1945. The number in January, 1945, was about 160 less than the number in 1938, and, having regard to the vital part which special constables are playing in assisting to maintain efficient policing, I do not feel able at present to relax the arrangements governing their resignation. These arrangement include a right of appeal to me when a chief constable refuses permission to resign. The fact that no appeal has been made since the arrangement was instituted early in 1942 would appear a high tribute both to the devoted interest which special constables take in their work and to the reasonable way in which chief constables have dealt with applications made to them.