HC Deb 08 May 1883 vol 279 cc228-30
MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY (for Mr. SEXTON)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Why the Report of Evidence taken by the Committee of Inquiry on the Dublin Metropolitan Police (which evidence appears to have been completely taken when the Committee addressed their letter of the 18th of October last to the Under Secretary for Ireland), and also the Report of Evidence taken by the Committee of Inquiry on the Royal Irish Constabulary (which Evidence, according to the Report of that Committee, was closed on the 20th of October last), have not yet been circulated among Members of the House; and, whether the Government will ask the House to take up the Motion for the Second Reading of the Constabu- lary and Police (Ireland) (Pay and Pensions) Bill before the evidence taken relative thereto is placed in the hands of Members?

MR. TEEVELYAN

Sir, these Reports and Evidence were not originally prepared for presentation to Parliament, but for the information of the Government. It is only recently—comparatively recently—that they decided to circulate copies of the Evidence; and, since then, no time has been lost in pushing forward their preparation. The Reports were presented and circulated in advance, as that could be done without the delay which would have been involved in waiting for the preparation of the very voluminous Evidence. The Government hope that the second reading of the Bill will be taken before Whitsuntide; and they hope that hon. Gentlemen will get sufficient information as to the principle of the measure from the very able Eeports—which I cannot but think are very able—to enable them to decide on the principle of the Bill on the second reading. It is fully expected that the Evidence will be put in the hands of hon. Members before the Bill is brought to its Committee stage. I may, for the convenience of hon. Members, state that I do not propose to ask the House to take the second reading of the Bill tonight.

MR. GIBSON

In reference to this matter, perhaps this would be a convenient time to put a Question regarding it, as I believe there is considerable misconception in Ireland on the subject. I wish to ask, Is it a fact that this Bill contains all the proposals that the Government intend to put forward for the amelioration of the condition of the Irish Constabulary and Police?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, that certainly is a very important question, and I am very glad to have an opportunity of stating my views on it. The scheme of the Government, with some very slight exceptions, is what was recommended by the two Committees of Inquiry. The part of that scheme which requires legislation is embodied in the Bill now before the House; but the rest of the scheme, including the very important provisions for raising the men's allowances, and for carrying out those details in the promotion and discipline, which, perhaps, as much as anything else, will enhance the comfort of the corps, will be communicated to the men, I presume, by Circular from the Inspector General and the Chief Commissioner, and embodied in the Rules of the Force. But, by legislation or otherwise, it may fairly be said that the entire scheme, as put forward by the two Committees of Inquiry, will be adopted by the Government.