§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether there is any objection to members of the Royal Irish Constabulary signing Petitions for or against the Home Rule Bill, seeing that the measure seriously affects the future of the Force?
MR. J. MORLEYThe Constabulary Code contains a Rule which states that—
It cannot be too strongly or frequently impressed upon both the officers and men of the establishment that, as its character and efficiency would be seriously injured by even a suspicion of its partisanship, the expression or any other manifestation of political or sectarian opinions on the part of any members of the Force is most strictly forbidden.That is the Rule in the Code, but, of course, if any members of the Constabulary think their position or prospects likely to be affected, it is open to them to submit through their officers to the Government any representation they may consider necessary in their interests.
§ SIR M. HICKS-BEACH (Bristol, W.)May I ask whether, as under the Government of Ireland Bill the establishment of the Constabulary is to last only six years, that Rule against partisanship; is to be enforced throughout that time?
MR. J. MORLEYI should think so; but really the right hon. Gentleman is as well able to interpret the Rule as I am. I should think that whether the Constabulary is to last for sis years or not, so long as it remains as it is now, the Rules of the Code will be applied.