§ MR. LOUGHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether instructions have been given to cease recruiting for the Royal Irish Constabulary, and to reduce the number of mounted men in that force; and, if so, will he explain what is the object of the Government in carrying out these economies?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have already explained that it is proposed to effect a reduction in the Royal Irish Constabulary by allowing the force to waste down, through retirements and the stoppage of recruiting, by 605 men, after which it will stand at 10,830 men. The mounted section of the force will be reduced by 106 men. As to the last part of the Question, I should have thought that the hon. Member would have been among the first to recognise that economy is an end in itself where it can be effected with a due regard to the public interests.
§ MR. MACNEILLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) how many head constables, sergeants, acting sergeants, and constables are at present serving in the Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland who have completed their statutory time (29 years and over); and (2) whether their retirement will be directed in order to reduce 1287 the number of men at present serving in the force and lighten the burden of taxation?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe Inspector General states that much time and labour would be required to procure the information sought for in the first part of the Question. The men referred to are not, either by reason of age or length of service, incapacitated for duty, but are fully trained and vigorous men capable of continuing to render efficient service, and it is not proposed compulsorily to retire men of this class. To retire effective policemen who are willing to continue in the service would not be a desirable way of reducing the force where the same end can be effectually secured by stopping recruiting.