§ MR. BIGGARasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Estimate for Constabulary in Ireland in present financial year is £1,440,095, against £1,097,192 in 1879–80; and, whether, in framing his Estimates for the coming year, he will endeavour to bring the expense under this head to its former standard?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)Yes, Sir. The comparison which the hon. Member draws between the Estimates for 1879–80 and 1884–5 for the Irish Constabulary is correct. This increase of charge arises mainly from carrying out the provisions of the Acts of 1882 and 1883, especially 46 & 47 Vict. c. 14, which revised and considerably augmented the rates of pay of the Constabulary. It is not I or the Treasury who frame the Estimates for the Royal Irish Constabulary; our function is confined to criticizing them; and I am always glad to receive suggestions for practical economy.
§ MR. BIGGARArising out of this Question, I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he was disposed to recommend the introduction of a Bill into Parliament to bring down the rate of pay to what it stood at under the late Government?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)Before entertaining such a proposition I would like to know the foundation for it.