Mr. PIKE PEASEasked the Home Secretary whether newly-naturalised Germans are permitted to serve as special constables; whether he is aware that at Hampstead one such, who speaks English imperfectly, was enrolled, but, in consequence of the protests of his colleagues in the force, refrained from acting; whether he is aware that, at the direction of headquarters, the local inspector was compelled to employ him, and that, as a result, one member of the force has already resigned and others threaten to do so; is he aware that in West Hampstead another German has been promoted to the rank of sergeant; and will he take steps to prevent the enrolment of such persons?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. No newly-naturalised German has been appointed a special constable at Hampstead, nor has a German been appointed a sergeant at West Hampstead. A British-born subject of German descent who had previously served five years in the Honourable Artillery Company has, however, been appointed sub-inspector of Special Constabulary at the latter place.