§ MR. W. ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the fact that, although the County of Limerick is entitled to a "free" police force of 404 men, the average "free quota" is only 382, while the ratepayers are charged for an extra force of 162; and if he will arrange that, when the next demand is made on the County Limerick for payment of "extra" police, credit will be given for the cost of 22 men, being the difference in number between the "free quota," to which the county is entitled, and the actual free force serving?
§ MR. JACKSONThe free quota of constabulary for the County Limerick is 404 men. The extra force numbers 144, to which it has been reduced within the past year from 172, as opportunity offered. It would not be practicable to adopt the course suggested in the second paragraph. Vacancies necessarily at times exist in a county, owing to recruits training at the depôt, and to absences through ordinary leave or sickness.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, seeing how often these burdens on ratepayers are made the subject of questions, if he will give a Return, showing for each county the force the county is entitled to; the force actually serving in the district; the number at the depôt in Dublin; and the number of the extra force?
§ MR. JACKSONI have not the slightest objection to lay a Paper on the Table giving such information. There has been some confusion about the matter, and I was not able at first to understand it fully. There is a total fixed Force of 10,006 men distributed over the counties of Ireland, and, of course, in this number are included vacancies from time to time. I think it is desirable to make the information known, and I will have a Paper drawn up, putting the matter clearly.