§ MR. SEXTONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what is the present condition of the Constabulary Force Fund, particularly as to the gross assets, the annual receipts, and the annual expenditure; by whom the account is kept, by whom it is audited, and whether any periodical statements are published or furnished to the contributors; what is the intention of the Irish Government in regard to the fund; and whether they are disposed to wind it up at the desire of the contributors?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe present capital of the Constabulary Force Fund amounts to £144,000, invested in Three per Cent. Local Loans Stock. The income from all sources for the year to March 31, 1890, amounted to over £19,000. The expenditure in that year amounted to over £14,000. The accounts of the fund are kept in the Royal Irish Constabulary office, and are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. No periodical statements have been published. The Constabulary Force Fund must be divided into two parts—namely: (1) a Reward Fund; and (2) an Insurance Fund. Hitherto these two funds have been administered as one, but it is now intended to separate them, and my answer must be understood to refer to the second, or Insurance Fund. This Insurance Fund is a fund established a long time ago for the benefit of widows and children of members of the Force. It was intended to be self-supporting, 514 being fed by deductions from the pay and pensions of subscribers. Under the Constabulary Act of 1883 no one entering the Force after June 18, 1883, can contribute to the fund or become entitled to its benefits. It is, therefore, in process of being wound up. I regret to say that although at the present time the annual income fully meets the annual expenditure, the fund itself is insolvent—that is to say, the assets of the fund will not suffice to meet the engagements of the fund by an amount probably not less at present value than £180,000. It is, of course, a grave matter for the Government in such a case to ask for aid from the Exchequer. The subject has been closely examined and discussed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and myself, and we are glad to say that we have arrived at an agreement upon it. It is no doubt the fact that although the fund was intended to be self-supporting, and although the Exchequer has not been a contributor to, and has undertaken no liability towards the fund, yet the Government have promised benefits in excess of what the funds will bear, and disappointment would not unreasonably follow the non-fulfilment of such promise. Bearing these facts in mind, and highly appreciating the trustworthiness and efficiency of the Force, we hold it of great importance that no member of the Force should have legitimate cause for complaint, and although objection might not unfairly be taken to several of the conditions on which the fund is administered, we have decided not to alter those conditions on essential points. At the proper time, therefore, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will make to the House of Commons such proposals as will restore the fund to solvency, and contributors to the Constabulary Force Fund may rest assured that, so far as the Government is concerned, the benefits promised will be made good. The Reward Fund will consist of certain fines and penalties, out of which certain rewards, &c., will be paid, but the amount of these rewards will, of course, be limited by the amount of the fund.
§ MR. SEXTONHas the right hon. Gentleman any objection to showing the progress of the fund? It is a public fund, and we really ought to have some account.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not know that it is exactly a public fund, but I know of no objection, and I will see that it is done.
§ MR. A. O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)Is it the case that £144,000 is at present divided between the Reward and Insurance Fund?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am afraid I cannot answer that question. I shall be glad to answer it if the hon. Gentleman will put it down.