§ Captain EARL WINTERTONasked the Home Secretary if, in view of the continuance in and recruiting for local police forces of strong young men in the prime of life, he will issue a memorandum to chief constables urging that police work in peaceful agricultural districts and small county towns should be performed by special constables and men past military age for the period of the War?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have since the beginning of the War urged police authorities to replace the men who have joined the Army by pensioners and other men above military age, or to employ special constables, but, in view of the large number 1443W of constables who have joined His Majesty's forces and the heavy special duties imposed on the police by the War, I fear I cannot advocate action which might deplete the police forces to a dangerous point. About 3,500 members of the County and Borough Police have joined the Colours, and, in addition, about 450 experienced officers have been lent as drill instructors.