Mr. Robertsonasked the Home Secretary (1) why War Reserve constables attached to Streatham and other police stations have been called for interview at employment exchanges to ascertain their special qualifications, in accordance with a special police Order dated 10th September, 1943, and been told by their interviewers that they are redundant to the police although the fact has never been communicated to them by their own officers;
(2) why War Reserve policemen over 43 years of age, attached to Streatham and other police stations, have been called for interview to employment exchanges and told that their services are redundant and they are to be transferred to labouring or other work?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe "Special Police Order" to which my hon. Friend refers is an Order issued by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to implement the decision of the Government that arrangements should be made to provide for a further contribution by the police service to the needs of the Armed Forces and of industry. The Order, which was issued to every station for the information of all ranks, made it clear that the men concerned would be interviewed by the Ministry of Labour and National Service, and that those selected would be released for other work of national importance.