§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it be correct that two sub-inspectors of police have been doing the entire duty of four sub-inspectors, in Belfast, for the last two months; and if, having regard to the present very peaceable state of the town, the services of the other two, who have been so long absent on duty in the south and west of Ireland, can be permanently discontinued, and thus assist in relieving the heavy police rate with which Belfast is burdened?
§ MR. TREVELYANThere is, at present, only one Sub-Inspector absent from 1366 Belfast. Another Sub-Inspector, who had been absent on special duty in the County Cork, has since returned to his station. The absence of these officers has been very much felt in Belfast, and their services cannot be permanently discontinued. The police rate in Belfast would not be affected by a reduction in the number of Sub-Inspectors, as the Town Council pays no part of their cost.