MR. O'BRIENMay I be permitted to ask the Chief Secretary a Question of which I have given him private Notice, but which I have neglected to put down upon the Paper? I would ask him if it is a fact, as has been stated in some of the Irish newspapers, that Colonel Bruce, Inspector General, Royal Irish Constabulary, has retired from the Force; and, if so, what were the reasons which led to the taking of this step?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo, Sir. Colonel Bruce has not resigned, and there has been no question of his resigning. The statements to that effect which have appeared in certain newspapers in Dublin have, therefore, no foundation whatever.
MR. O'BRIENMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman this Question—whether he makes this statement upon the same authority upon which his Predecessors several months ago had stated—that there was no foundation for the statement that County Inspector French was about to leave the Force, but that he would remain in the Force?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI make that statement from my own knowledge.