Mr. J. H. HAMILTON(also on the part of Colonel Taylor) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether it is intended to amalgamate the Revenue Police with the Constabulary; and, if so, whether provision will be made to secure to the officers of the former service their status and progressive rank and emoluments?
Mr. WILSONsaid, the hon. Gentleman was probably aware that three years ago a 1684 Bill was passed, by which the Constabulary Force in Ireland was permitted to assist the Revenue Police, with the view of stopping illicit distillation. That measure had operated so well that on the renewal of the Bill in the present year it was proposed to take powers for the further extension of the principle then adopted, and perhaps of ultimately entirely amalgamating the two forces. Of course, in that case, a just and fair provision would be made for whatever officers of the Revenue Police might not be absorbed in the Constabulary.