§ Mr. TOTTENHAMasked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Whether it is true, as reported in the morning papers of 11th instant, that the Government are prepared to concede the demands of the men of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and, if this is incorrectly stated, whether he will state the present position between the men and the constituted authorities?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PORTER)I have to state that on August 6 His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant instructed the Inspector General of Constabulary to communicate to the Force His Excellency's serious displeasure at the agitation then going on, and to inform the members of the Force that, as long as that agitation continued, the Government refused to entertain any representations that might be made. A Circular to that effect was issued on Monday, and on Tuesday the agitation ceased at Limerick, where it first began. On Wednesday and Thursday Reports in answer to the Circular were received from all stations, showing that the movement ceased to exist. On Thursday a Circular was sent expressing His Excellency's satisfaction at this result, and his opinion that the conduct of the Force in this respect was worthy of its high reputation. His Excellency added that the prompt cessation 1627 of the agitation not only relieved him from the necessity of taking measures to stop it, but also enabled him at once to take into consideration the representations he had received. Those representations embraced so many points lying beyond the scope of the Committee recently appointed to consider the question of allowances that His Excellency had determined to appoint another Committee to inquire into and to take evidence upon the whole subject. When that Committee reported, His Excellency's decision must be taken as final.
§ MR. TOTTENHAMDid the men withdraw their demands unconditionally?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PORTER)Unconditionally.