§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the influentially signed petition on women police presented by the National Council of Women to the Under-Secretary of State on 23rd July, asking that it should be made compulsory for certain duties to be undertaken by policewomen and for the appointment of a woman inspector at the Home Office; and whether he is in a position to give a reply to the petitioners on these points?
Captain CROOKSHANKMy right hon. Friend has carefully considered the petition referred to, and regrets that he will not feel justified in bringing pressure to bear on local authorities to appoint policewomen, or in present circumstances, in sanctioning the appointment of a woman inspector of constabulary. It must be recognised that the need for employing policewomen must be determined in the light of local conditions, but subject to this, my right hon. Friend proposes to ask local police authorities to give careful consideration to the whole matter.