HC Deb 17 April 1890 vol 343 cc669-70
MR. J. E. ELLIS

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what is the total extra cost arising from the employment of the constabulary at, or in connection with, evictions, or in the protection of caretakers, during the three years ending. 31st March, 1890?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

The Constabulary authorities report that the books of the Department do not contain separate entries of the costs connected with the duties referred to in the question; and an investigation for the purpose would involve such considerable labour and serious loss of time as to render it inexpedient in the public interest.

MR. J. E. ELLIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Return was granted in 1888?

MR. A.J. BALFOUR

Yes; and the preparation of that Return involved so much labour that I could not ask the Department to repeat it. The labour in preparing a Return for three years would be enormous.

DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)

Before going into Supply upon the Constabulary Vote, will the right hon. Gentleman give all the information necessary to enable the Irish Members to discuss the Vote?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Will the hon. Gentleman specify what he wants?

DR. TANNER

I want the whole of the information.