HC Deb 20 April 1950 vol 474 cc302-3
23. Commander Noble

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has given consideration to the formation of a police cadet corps.

Mr. Ede

Police cadets are already employed in a number of police forces. The Oaksey Committee recommended that. police forces which do not now employ cadets should give the system a trial if suitable work is available and I have this recommendation uncle: consideration

Commander Noble

Does not the Minister think it would be possible that some arrangement like the cadet forces of the three Services might be suitable for the Police Force?

Mr. Ede

There would be some difficulty about making that arrangement, but I am considering with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police whether I can extend to the Metropolis a system which is working quite satisfactorily in many provincial forces.

Mr. Shurmer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that during the war this system worked very well, and that in some of the large cities there were some wonderful boys who afterwards passed out into the Police Force?

Mr. Ede

Yes; the cadets continue in some police forces, and I would like to see a considerable extension of this form of recruiting.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider using these cadets to watch Labour Party motor cars at the General Election?