§ MR. GRAYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, What is the present amount of the Canteen Fund at the Royal Constabulary Depôt, Phœnix Park, its average annual increment, and to what purpose it is contemplated eventually to devote it; whether he is aware that the accumulation of regimental canteen funds is, by the Queen's Regulations, restricted to a maximum of £50, they being then devoted to the recreation of those who contributed them; and, whether he purposes instituting a similar regulation for the Constabulary Canteen Fund?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACHSir, I stated a few weeks ago, in reply to the hon. Member for Longford (Mr. O'Reilly), that the canteen fund up to December 31, 1876, amounted to £3,016 4s., and I believe that early in the present year the average profits amounted to about £60 per month. I believe that the accumulation of regimental canteen funds is restricted as stated by the hon. Member. I think it is to be regretted that so large an accumulation has been permitted in this case, and immediately on my attention being called to the subject by the hon. Member for Longford I desired the Inspector General of Constabulary to consider the matter in order that some plan may be adopted by which the interest on the present accumulation maybe utilized for the benefit of the Force, and proper restrictions be placed on such an increase for the future.