HC Deb 11 August 1882 vol 273 cc1516-7
MR. HEALY

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, For a Return of the number of Roman Catholic Sub-Constables serving in the constabulary district of Moville, county Donegal, during the month ending 30th June 1882; also the number of sub-constables of the Roman Catholic religion entered on Table 9, Return No. 8, Promotion List, in said district for the month ended 30th June 1882, by Sub-Inspector Robert Almon Smith, the officer in charge of said district, and the length of service of each sub-constable so recommended; also the number of sub-constables of the Protestant religion serving in the same district during the said period, and the number of the latter entered on Table 9, Return No. 8, as recommended for promotion by Sub-Inspector Smith, with the length of service of each Protestant so recommended on 30th June 1882; is it a fact that Sub-Constables Marks, Moffit, Johnston, and Taylor were placed on the promotion list (and still retained thereon) when Marks and Moffit had only three years' service, Johnston only five, &c, to the exclusion of many Catholics of over fifteen years' service in said district who were well conducted and qualified for the higher grade of promotion; is it a fact that Mr. Sub-Inspector Smith lives in Carrick House, a statute mile from his head-quarter station, and keeps his office at same house outside the boundaries of the town in which he is in charge; that his men are harassed carrying letters and commands to his house in the country, and thus withdrawing them from their public duties; and, how much rent is allowed to Sub-Inspector Smith yearly for keeping the office at his private dwelling, and why is he allowed any, when all former officers had their office in the Constabulary Barrack, Moville, free, without expense to the public?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PORTER)

The Chief Secretary endeavoured to make out an answer for this Question, which could be compressed within reasonable limits, but found it impossible to do so. At his request, however, I will hand the hon. Member seriatim replies to the several paragraphs thereof, which I hope will satisfy him; but I am afraid that they will not be ready before the House adjourns.

MR. HEALY

Would the right hon. Gentleman give them in the shape of a Return?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PORTER)

was understood to say that he thought there might be some objection; but that, as far as possible, the facts and figures would be prepared in a tabular form.