§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say for what purpose police constables are required to attend the arrival of passenger trains at the various railway stations throughout Ireland; whether he is aware that in the case of country stations compliance with this rule frequently entails a journey of many miles a day; and whether he will suggest to the Irish Constabulary authorities the desirability of discontinuing the practice?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe police attend the arrival and departure of trains in the ordinary discharge of their duty, though it is only when they are quartered within half a mile of the railway station that they are required, as of course, to be in attendance on all trains. This duty has been performed by the police for very many years, and I see no reason for discontinuing it now.
§ MR. DILLONWhy is it necessary to have two constables at every railway station in Ireland, while it is not necessary in this country?
§ MR. VESEY KNOX (Londonderry)asked whether it was not the fact that in this country the railway companies paid for what police service they required in their stations?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes, but I may remind the hon. Member that the police are paid for in Ireland by the Government.