§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it be true that in the recent promotions amongst the police in Belfast, two policemen who had acted as sub-inspector's clerks for five or six years, and who, consequently, have no practical knowledge of the duties required of detectives were selected to the exclusion of experienced officers; if it be correct that the religion of the various officers was urged as a source of fitness for the office?
§ MR. TREVELYANI have received a telegram from the Town Inspector of Belfast, who states that it is not the case that promotions have recently taken place there, but that men have recently been examined for detective duty. He adds that it is not true that men who had acted as Sub-Inspectors' clerks were selected to the exclusion of more experienced men, or that the religion of any man was urged as a source of fitness for office.