HC Deb 18 July 1884 vol 290 cc1602-3
MR. SMALL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether military and constabulary pensioners in Ireland are permitted while in the receipt of their pensions from Government to participate in Orange meetings in Ireland; whether, on the late 12th of July celebrations at Derry and Newry, the Government took any steps to ascertain whether any of those in receipt of pensions participated in them; and, whether they intend to take any steps to ascertain?

MR. TREVELYAN

The Government have no power to control the political action of Constabulary pensioners. The Regulations which govern the conduct of constables while serving, necessarily cease to operate when they retire from the Force and resume their civil status. So far as this Question relates to military pensioners, it would more properly have been addressed to the Secretary of I State for War than to me; but I have the authority of my noble Friend to say that when not called out for duty, they have the entire status of civilians. Both classes of pensioners have, therefore, the same rights and responsibilities as other civilians with regard to political meetings, and the Government could not make any such inquiry as is suggested in the Question.

MR. HEALY

As pensioners have full rights of political meetings, why are they not permitted to vote for Members of Parliament?

[No reply.]