§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretery to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether there is any truth in the statement that the constabulary authorities in Ireland are desirous of employing the soldiers stationed in that country as spies, by inducing them to give secret information of what they may hear and see when drinking in public houses; whether any orders have been issued, or been prepared for issue, inviting soldiers there to assist the constabulary as spies, under a vague promise of money rewards; and, if such is the case, whether the orders in question have met with the approval of His Excellency? The hon. Member said, his object in asking the Question was to ascertain if the soldiers were to be used in the detection of crime.
§ MR. TREVELYANIf I answer Questions referring to the detection of crime, the refusal in any subsequent case to answer would be regarded as an admission. With all respect to the hon. Member, I can answer no Question whatever on this subject.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORremarked that he had received a letter from an officer in the Army who protested against his men being employed in such service.