HC Deb 17 April 1947 vol 436 c39W
68. Mr. Walker-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the recommendations of Cmd. 7040 allow for the sufficiently early entry into the Police College of able young men whose training and abilities qualify them for ultimate positions of leadership and responsibility in the police force.

Mr. Oliver

The College is primarily intended to improve the standards of efficiency throughout the police service in the ranks of Inspector and above, and not merely to select potential chief Officers of police. It is, however, clear that if the senior posts are to be filled by promotion from within the service it is essential that a proportion of outstanding young men should be sent to the College. My right hon. Friend accepts the view of the expert Committee which considered this matter that the proposed period of qualifying service is not too long, but this is clearly a matter which will have to be watched in the light of experience.