§ THE EARL OF ASHBURNHAMinquired of Her Majesty's Government, How many members of the police force are employed in the protection of Her Maiesty's Ministers; what is the total annual cost of such protection; and what proportion of such annual cost is borne by the ratepayers of this Metropolis?
§ EARL GRANVILLEI have communicated with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and he is distinctly of opinion that it is not desirable that I should make any statement in reply to the Question of the noble Earl. I venture to remind your Lordships of the great authority with which the Secretary of State for the Home Department speaks upon this subject, and of the immense responsibility of the constant and continuous duty of the police to meet threats and attempts of a perfectly monstrous and unusual character against life and property in this country.
§ THE EARL OF ASHBURNHAMasked whether the noble Earl would object to answer the latter portion of his Question?
EARL GEANVILLEI have no statement to make in reply to the latter part of the noble Earl's Question.
§ House adjourned at a quarter past Seven o'clock, till To-morrow, a quarter past Ten o'clock.