§ Mr. BILLINGasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the recent attacks on the police on account of their exemption from military service; whether a member of the Metropolitan police is entitled to successfully demand his resignation shall be accepted to enable him to join the forces; whether, in the event of such a demand being successful, he is penalised with regard to forfeiture of benefits to which he is entitled or would become entitled; and whether he would be permitted when discharged from the Army, with a good conduct discharge, to rejoin without losing seniority or pensions and allowances?
Mr. SAMUELAny member of the Metropolitan Police Force may resign the Police Service on giving a month's notice of his intention to do so, but a man so resigning who joins the Army is not entitled to the special benefits enjoyed by constables who join His Majesty's Services with the consent of the Police Authority. If on the conclusion of war such a man were permitted to rejoin, his previous service would count towards pension, as provided for in the Police Act; but no pledge can be given as to allowances.