LONDON POLICE FORCE

Northern Advocate, 3 July 1928, Page 5

LONDON POLICE FORCE

COMMISSIONER RESIGNS

REORGANISATION PLANNED.

| (Australian Press Association.)' (Received 8.32 ann.) July 2. The “Daily Chronicle” states that Brigadier-General Sir William Horwood is resigning the Commissionership of Metropolitan Police. The resignation is not with the Hydo Park inquiry or recent criticisms of police methods. His successor has been chosen, but the name is kept secret. The change will be used to introduce reorganisation of procedure. The “Daily Telegraph” believes that the position has been oifered to Viscount Byng.

VISCOUNT BYNG APPOINTED.

STORM OF QUESTIONS.

(British Official Wireless.)' (Received 1.31 p.m.) RUGBY, July 2. The Home Secretory announced in the House of Commons that Sir William Horwood, Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, had intimated early in the yea his intention of retiring in the late autumn, on attaining the ago of 60 years. The King had approved the appointment of Viscount Byng of Vxmy to succeed Sir W. Horwood. The announcement of [Viscount Byng’s appointment produced a storm of Labour questions, such as: .“Why was an army instead of a police officer chosen?” “Why was a man 65 years selected when his predecessor had resigned on attainment of the age of 60 years?” “Why was the appointment made before the inquiry into police methods was reported upon?” “What salary and pension would .Viscount Byng receive?” Sir W. Joynson-Hieka took full re- 1 sponsibility for the appointment. The only policy Avas to obtain the best man for the job. The recent inquiry in nowise impugned Sir W, Horwood’s conduct. Viscount Byng made no stipulation regarding salary or pension, only insisting on freedom to retire at the moment he felt unequal to the task. He only accepted at the stern call of duty.

The Labourites intimated that they would later oppose the appointment on an adjournment motion.