§ 18. Mr. Bechervaiseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he reconciles the appointment of a military man to the post of Commandant to the Police College at Coventry with his promise to the police on the question of promotion to such posts.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)Brigadier Dunn's appointment as Commandant of the Police College was recommended to me by a selection board consisting of the First Civil Service Commissioner, and the members of the Board of Governors of the College, who include representatives of all ranks in the police service and local police authorities. In making their recommendations, the selection board gave full weight to police experience, but regarded Brigadier Dunn, who has had wide experience of the organisation of training, as the best candidate for the post. I am satisfied that the appointment was in the best interests of the police service, and it does not conflict with any undertaking I have given.
§ Mr. BechervaiseWhat qualifications does this candidate possess that could not be discovered within the ranks of the police?
§ Mr. EdeIn the opinion of the selection board, which included all ranks of the police force, and which saw at the same time a number of senior police officers, this officer had gifts for leadership in connection with the college which were not possessed to the same degree by any other candidates.