HC Deb 25 July 1881 vol 263 cc1736-7
MR. BIGGAR

asked, Why Andrew Price, a policeman, was removed from Clough, County Down, to Dublin for instruction; has he not been over twenty-nine years in the force, and is he not as well up in his duties as those who caused his removal; and, is it true there is no Catholic Inspector or Sub-Inspector in County Down, and only one Head Constable of that religion?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)

This Question, Sir, relates to the ordinary administration and carrying out of the dislipline of the Constabulary Force, which are scarcely matters which this House would desire to investigate. It will, therefore, be sufficient for me to say that this constable, though between 29 and 30 years in the force, was, during the last year, from time to time, on inspection of his station, found slack and deficient in knowledge of his police puties and drill, and consequently unable to instruct the men under him. For these reasons, the Inspector General thought his removal to the depôt necessary, and he has been removed accordingly. With regard to the question of religion, I believe it is the case that all the officers stationed in the County Down are Protestants; but two of the Head Constables are Roman Catholics.

MR. BIGGAR

asked, Whether in the County Antrim Constabulary no Catholic holds the office of County Inspector, Sub-Inspector, or Head Constable; whe- ther none of the County Inspectors' clerks and only one of the six Sub-Inspector' clerks is a Catholic; and, whether the Government will consider how the number of Roman Catholic members of the force may be increased in that county?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)

The Constabulary officers have been allocated to the county of Antrim without any reference to their religion, and no complaint has been made that would render necessary or expedient, so far as the Inspector General is aware, any alteration in the present arrangements. Of the six clerks employed by the Sub-Inspectors, three are Roman Catholics. In other respects, I believe the Question states the facts accurately.