§ MR. P. J. POWERasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of the fact that the salaries paid to inspectors under the Explosives Act (Ireland) are a heavy and unjust burden on local rates, and that magistrates in Ireland have generally declined to avail of the services of the constabulary for the purposes of this Act, he will recommend that measures be taken to have the duties of inspectors under said Act discharged by members of the constabulary?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANA Circular was issued in October last to 811 local authorities in Ireland—who are not in all cases the magistrates at Petty Sessions—informing; them that they may appoint members of the Constabulary to act as Inspectors under the Explosives Act. I am not aware what number of constables have been so far appointed; and in the opinion of the Irish Government a sufficient time has not yet elapsed to enable a correct idea to be formed of the extent to which local authorities will avail themselves of the concession.