§ MR. COX (Clare, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire- 642 land, If it is a fact that the county cess in the County Clare is from 40 to 50 per cent higher than that of the adjoining counties of Galway, Tipperary, and Limerick; if it is a fact that the charge for the maintenance of the extra police force in the county amounts to over £4,000 a-year levied off the overburdened occupiers of land in the county; and, if, having regard to the peaceable state of the county, the Irish Government will withdraw at an early date the extra police force?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)There is no doubt that the county cess in County Clare is much higher than in the adjoining counties mentioned by the hon. Member, and, having regard to their comparative size and valuation, this can hardly be wondered at. With regard to the extra police, they have been reduced within the last two years from 172 to 130. The subject is constantly under attention; but I regret that the Government cannot at the present time make any further reduction. The latest Returns as to their cost show something under the figure mentioned by the hon. Member.