§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W., and Sligo, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he can communicate to the House the names of the Members added to the Commission on the Belfast riots?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)As the Belfast Commission now stands it is composed of an English officer (General Buller) and two barristers of the Irish Bar (Mr. French and Mr. Adams). We think that it should be strengthened by the addition of a police officer of experience and standing, who has had some experience in dealing with a population rather akin to that of Belfast, and therefore we propose to add to the Commission Mr. Wallis MacHardy, Chief Constable of Lanarkshire.
§ MR. SEXTONMay I ask on what ground the Government think they are justified in adding to a Commission which they have themselves described as judicial a Scotch constable?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI do not know that the presence of a (Scotchman on the Commission would make it of a less judicial character. My impression is, that considering the nature of the inquiry and the recommendations that the Commission are asked to make with regard to the Police Force of Belfast, the presence of a gentleman who has had such experience as has fallen to the lot of Mr. MacHardy would be very valuable indeed.