§ 12. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why, since a number of Hong Kong police officers seconded from the Metropolitan Police Force and now declared redundant can return to that Force, whilst men who came from county police forces cannot return, he did not, when engaging these men, come to some agreement with their original employers for eventual re-instatement; and what steps he is taking to 351 remedy this inequality, in view of the shortage of experienced police officers in this country.
Mr. Creech JonesWhen members of United Kingdom police forces were being recruited in 1945 for Hong Kong, it was made clear to them at the outset that appointment would be on agreement and would involve resignation from their home appointments. Those who accepted appointment to Hong Kong in fact received a refund of their pension contributions. In the case of ex-Metropolitan Police officers, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis subsequently agreed that they could be reinstated if necessary, subject to certain conditions. It has not been possible, however, to make similar arrangements in the case of the majority of ex-county and borough police officers.
§ Mr. GammansBut has the right hon. Gentleman done anything to try to get these men back their jobs? Surely he will admit that he has at least a moral obligation towards them, if nothing more?
Mr. Creech JonesThat question need not be put to me, because it is common knowledge amongst the men concerned that every effort has been made for them to get reinstatement in the Forces from which they came.