asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the auxiliary members of the War Department Constabulary joined the Forces as police officers, with the same privileges, powers and responsibilities as the Metropolitan Police force under the Metropolitan Police Act; that they have been used as soldiers in the various defence schemes that have been issued and trained in the use of firearms; and whether he will consider placing them on the same footing as members of the Police War Reserve, entitled to the gratuities and other rewards granted to that body.

I have looked into this matter but, for the reasons already communicated to my hon. Friend, I regret that I can see no reason to depart from the decision already given regarding gratuities and other terminal benefits.