§ Sir WATSON RUTHERFORDasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of men at Barrow-in-Furness have been compulsorily named as special constables and required to be sworn in, although no riot is apprehended or other disturbance of the peace and contrary to their express objection; and whether there is any and, if so, what power invested in the authorities enabling them to compulsorily make individuals into special constables under such circumstances?
§ Mr. SHORTTAs I informed the hon. Member for Widnes on Monday last, the proceedings in question were not taker 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.