§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to "the power of writing Reports," which is one of the qualifications for obtaining promotion in the Royal Irish Constabulary, whether he will state what test, if any, is applied as to the accuracy of such Reports?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IEELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.Though I admit that neither the hon. Member nor any one else could have guessed it, the expression referred to indicates, I understand, arithmetic, Irish geography, spelling, and handwriting. Excellence in these branches of knowledge is tested by examination.
§ MR. M'CARTANIs the right hon. Gentleman correctly reported in all the newspapers to have stated that one of the qualifications is the power of writing reports?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURYes, Sir. I was accurately reported.
§ MR. GILL (Louth, S.)Are any steps taken to test the accuracy of the reports?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe expression, I am afraid, was a misleading one. The qualifications are what I have just read to the House.