§ MR. O'KELLYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he will cause orders to be issued by the police authorities in Ireland forbidding the carrying of sidearms by the constabulary while performing ordinary duty in districts where no disorder exists, and where there can be no apprehension of personal danger to the police in the discharge of their duty?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERSir, I do not think the House would approve the issue of an Order to the Constabulary without any notice, and without my having fully investigated and considered the matter. I may state that I find I was quite correct in saying that it is not the practice of the police in anything like all cases to carry side-arms.
§ MR. CALLANWill the right hon. Gentleman issue directions to the Constabulary authorities allowing a discretionary power to be invested either in the county Inspectors or sub-Inspectors, so as to permit night patrols to do their duty without carrying revolvers?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI think I must repeat that I should not be acting in accordance with my duty if suddenly I took such an important step as the hon. Member proposes.
§ MR. FINIGANMay I ask the Chief Secretary—["Order!"]—it is a Question which has reference to one that the right hon. Gentleman has already answered. I want to know whether the police do not wear side-arms not only on most occasions outside, but even during Divine Service on Sundays?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI think I ought to have sufficient time to get an answer to that Question; but I should be very much surprised to find that the suggestion it contains is true.