§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, pursuant to his policy that ability should be the criterion for the allocation of police duties, he will bring forward proposals to provide for a system of special allowances for duties, such as riot control, which require physical prowess; and if he will introduce regulations to enable chief constables to recruit a more balanced intake in order to undertake physically arduous duties.
§ Mr. WhitelawI do not believe that such an allowance would be appropriate. It is for chief officers of police to decide whether candidates who satisfy the statutory qualifications for appointment should be accepted, and I see no need to introduce further restrictions on the use of their discretion.