HC Deb 27 February 1896 vol 37 cc1231-2
MR. J. DALY (Monaghan)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, upon whose recommendation did District Inspector Bain, of Newcastle West, get permission to go upon a war expedition to Ashanti; and is he aware of how many previous police officers were allowed to go upon a soldiering expedition?

The HON. MEMBER

also asked the Under Secretary of State for War, if District Inspector Bain, of Newcastle West, was drawing any pay as a volunteer with Sir John Scott's expedition to Ashanti; and, if so how much?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

With permission of the hon Member, I will reply to these questions, as Mr. Bain was not sent out by the War Department. He volunteered his services to the Colonial Government, and having obtained leave of absence from Ireland, was allowed by the Colonial Office to go out at his own expense, receiving no pay. There were no other police officers from the Home service employed.

MR. DALY

asked, from whom Inspector Bain got his leave of absence?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

From his own superior officer, of course. Practically this gentleman preferred to spend his holiday in seeing active service rather than at home.

MR. DALY

asked the right hon. Gentleman if two months' leave was allowed to police officers, and had Mr. Bain exceeded that limit?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer that question. I believe 50 days is the usual period of leave allowed to a police officer. It is sometimes increased to two months, but, where it is so increased, the difference between the 50 days and the two months is taken off the officer's leave in a subsequent year.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

asked, whether, after this gentleman had done with freebooting in Africa, he was entitled to come back to the service of the State in Ireland?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That is a question which would not be allowed on the Paper in those terms, and it cannot be permitted now.

DR. R. AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)

asked, whether Inspector Bain's substitute was paid?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No additional expense is involved to the public.

MR. DALY

asked, whether, if there was any plunder from Ashanti, any of it would be given to Inspector Bain?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!