§ Mr. Remnantasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the circumstances in which, in November, 1947, the warrant card of John William Chesterman, then a special constable and a factory patrolman at the Ministry of Supply Storage Depot, Burghfield, Reading, was altered by an official of the Ministry of Supply.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI have been asked to reply. Mr. Chesterman was appointed under Section 3 (1) of the Special Constables Act, 1923, special constable at the Burghfield Depot and within 15 miles thereof. The warrant card was a document providing evidence of identity and was issued by the superintendent of the depot. The words "and within 15 miles thereof" in this document were deleted because, on the closing down of a neighbouring depot, Mr. Chesterman's duties were again confined to the Burgh-field Depot. This alteration to the warrant card did not affect the terms of Mr. Chesterman's appointment by the justices.