§ MR. MAGUIREasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If it be true, as publicly stated, that there are at present as many as one thousand vacancies in the Royal Irish Constabulary Force; and, should that statement be not entirely accurate, would he state to the House how many vacancies really exist, and also to what cause or causes the existence of these vacancies are to be attributed?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON, in reply, said, there had been and still were a considerable number of vacancies in the Force, but he was not prepared to state the exact figures. It was in contemplation to refer any complaints to a Royal Commission, which was about to be appointed.
§ MR. MAGUIREWould it be possible for the noble Marquess to state how many vacancies there were now in the Force?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONreplied that if it were possible, it would not be advisable to state the fact thus publicly.