§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists in Granard with the police arrangements there, because the district inspector, head constable, and sergeant are Protestants, whilst the great proportion of the men are Roman Catholics; and will he direct a change of officers in this case?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am not aware that dissatisfaction exists at Granard with the police arrangements there. The allocation of members of the force is made independently of religious considerations, and there is no intention at present to direct a change of officers in this case.
§ MR. FARRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiry into the matter with the view of making a change?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI see no occasion for making such an inquiry. As I have already said, religious considerations are not taken into account in making these appointments.