§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland is it true that the Government have caused the County Clare to be assessed for half cost of extra police in the last eight years, as follows:—1881, £169 13s.; 1882, £2,973 7s. 1d.; 1883, £6,608 3s. 8d.; 1884,£6,896 2s. 3d.; 1885, £6,153 1s. 8d.; 1886, £3.807 1s. 4d.; 1887, £4,164 7s. 5d.; 1888, £5.735 9s. 1d.; 1889, £6,915 5s. 7d.; total, £43,422 l1s. 1d.; can he explain that since 1886, when Colonel Turner was sent there, the cost has nearly doubled; and will anything be done to relieve the people of this heavy impost?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.The amounts presented at Assizes in each of the years mentioned in respect of extra constabulary for the County Clare are as stated in the question. The increased charge referred to was owing to the appointment of an additional extra force, whose presence was rendered necessary for the purposes of affording increased personal protection and patrolling. A reduction in the number was a short time ago made, which I understand reduces the annual charge to about £5,600, as compared with about £6,900 last year. It was found that the improvement in the state of the county admitted of this reduction of the extra force, and, when a further improvement takes place, further reductions can be made.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIf, as the right hon. Gentleman has stated, the condition of the county is improving, why should these extra police be necessary?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo doubt there has been an improvement, but I am afraid that it is due to the employment of these extra police. The hon. Gentleman will see, however, that there has been a reduction of £1,300 in the cost of the force this year.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to give notice that I will move that the Licensing Tax be devoted to the reduction of the contribution of the county to the maintenance of extra police.