§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If he will give an assurance that upon the occurrence of a vacancy, well known to be imminent, in the Inspectorship of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Belfast, the principle of promotion of deserving officers within the force, recommended, with reference to its highest posts, by the Irish Constabulary Commission of 1866, will be adhered to, and the post given in accordance with the general usages of the force, to one of its officers?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERSir, with regard to this supposed vacancy taking place, I stated the other day, in reply to a Ques- 751 tion put to me by the hon. Member for Cavan (Mr. Biggar), that I had received a communication from the officer referred to, in which he stated that he was quite restored to health, and he was happy to say he never felt better in his life; and I went on to express a hope that he would be spared for many years to the public service. I have no doubt proper steps will be taken to fill up a vacancy when it occurs; but I have no particular information with regard to it.