§ Mr. Hargreavesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to institute a formal discipline code for special constables;
(2) further to the answer of 10 February, Official Report, column 315, what protection exists for special constables in respect of internal disciplinary cases.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe need for a discipline code for special constables has been considered from time to time. The conclusion has always been that it is neither sensible nor practicable to apply such a code to voluntary, part-time, unpaid officers and we have no present plans to introduce one. Chief officers of police are, however, recommended to follow discipline procedures for special constables which, so far as it is possible given the significant differences in status and conditions of service, are in line with those which apply to regular officers.