§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANasked the Home Secretary whether the principal work of the officials of the special branch of the Criminal Investigation Department consists in attending labour demonstrations and taking reports of the speeches, and in watching persons released under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act; and whether other and more important work can be found for them?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to abolish the special branch of the Criminal Investigation Department as a separate organisation and attach the men to the central branch of the Criminal Investigation Department; and whether this re-arrangement would effect a saving of £10,000 annually?
§ Mr. SHORTTThere is no intention of abolishing the special branch. It has been re-organised with the object of securing greater efficiency and economy.