§ Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in Barrow-in-Furness citizens are still being called up to serve as special constables, under the Special Constables Act, 1914; that a num- 652W ber have refused to take the oath and have been fined £5, with the alternative of one month's imprisonment; whether the calling up of these men is with his knowledge and sanction; and will he state the ground for this being done at a time when war conditions have long ceased to exist?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe proceedings in question were not taken under the Special Constables Act, 1914, which contains no provision for the compulsory appointment of special constables. I am informed that they were taken under Section 196 of the Municipal Corporations Act, which provides for the appointment in October of every year of borough special constables who can be called upon to serve on any occasion when the police force of the borough is insufficient to maintain the peace. The proceedings appear to have been in accordance with the Act. They do not require my sanction or authority; the appointment of these constables is a normal peace arrangement of very old standing, having nothing to do with the War.