§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORDI wish to put a Question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer of which I have given him private Notice, having regard to rumours which have been lately circulated as to the future control of the Police Force in Ireland. I beg to ask, Whether the Government will give an assurance that the Royal Irish. Constabulary will be maintained as at present constituted—an Imperial force?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIn reply to my noble Friend, I really cannot understand how any doubt could have arisen as to the attitude or intentions of Her Majesty's Government on this subject. The Lord Chancellor of Ireland, speaking in "another place" a few days ago, denounced in the strongest terms any proposal to hand over the Royal Irish Constabulary to any other control or authority than that which at present exists. He spoke on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, and with the full concurrence of his Colleagues.