§ Resolutions [20th February] reported.
§ First Three Resolutions agreed to.
§ Fourth Resolution read a second time.
§ MR. BIGGARsaid, he was one of those who held the opinion that Ireland was, so to speak, over policed at the present time; and he should be prepared now, and on all other suitable occasions, to protest against the extra outlay charged on account of the Police Force. The item for the police at the Mullingar Barracks was merely part of a very large sum which had to be paid by the taxpayers of the country, and which was productive of very little good. He was not, as a rule, opposed to the expenditure of British money in Ireland, except when it was an unreasonable outlay; and then such Votes would be always sure to meet with his opposition. But he was especially opposed to this Vote for the Police Force in Ireland, thinking that the men would be much better 1142 occupied in the Soudan, where they could exercise their talents to advantage, and, at the same time, rid Ireland of a very objectionable class of persons.
§ Amendment proposed, to leave out "£7,500," in order to insert "£6,923,"—(Mr. Biggar,)—instead there of.
§ Question put, "That '£7,500' stand part of the said Resolution."
§ The House divided:—Ayes 56; Noes 12: Majority 44.—(Div. List, No. 28.)
§ Subsequent Resolutions agreed to.