§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Independent Order of Rechabites, registered as a Friendly Society, 27th March, 1854,—
Is an Association of abstainers, united for the mutual interest and benefit of its members in time of sickness and death, and for the promotion of the principles of abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, and thrift "and whether, as this Temperance and Benefit Society is spreading in Belfast and the North of Ireland, members of the Royal Irish Constabulary will be permitted to join the Order?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Inspector General has already had before him the question as to members of the Constabulary Force being permitted to join the Order referred to. He considers, however, that the pledge to be taken is not merely one of personal abstinence from intoxicating liquors, but involves an expression of views on other matters which might interfere with an impartial discharge of duty.