§ MR. HOOPER (Cork, S.E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What is the total numerical strength of the Royal Irish Constabulary in officers, sergeants, and constables; and, what is the number of Roman Catholics and of Protestants (distinguishing Episcopalians from Presbyterians) in each of these grades respectively, at the present time?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)said, the Question only appeared on the Paper that day. He had previously been asked a similar Question by another lion. Member, who had given him Notice of it, and he had asked him to postpone it for a few days. If the hon. Member would postpone his Question until Tuesday he should be able to answer it.