HC Deb 04 April 1898 vol 56 cc14-5
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he has any objection to state the precise conditions and pay upon which service in the Army was offered, or proposed to be offered, through the Irish Government, to 995 candidates for the Royal Irish Constabulary in December, 1896; and whether he can say if the proposals of the Military authorities were conveyed either by the Irish Government or the Military authorities to the candidates themselves; and, if so, how many were willing to join?

MR. BRODRICK

I fear I can add nothing to my answer of the "9th ultimo. The latter portion of the Question should be addressed to the Chief Secretary.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

In view of the fact that this is the third time I have asked the Question, I must press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer.

MR. BRODRICK

I said on the 29th that certain proposals were made to the Irish Government which did not prove acceptable. I referred the hon. Member to the Chief Secretary for further information.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

Precisely; but what were the conditions offered?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The Question has been answered.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

But, Sir, on the point of Order, I protest against the insinuation of the hon. Gentleman, that another Minister could have answered, but did not. When I asked the Chief Secretary he referred me to the Under Secretary for War. What course am I to take in order to get the information I seek? Apparently the two Ministers are conspiring together to withhold it.

MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I rise to Order. Is the hon. Member justified in accusing two Ministers of conspiring together?

MR. P. O'BRIEN

I beg to give notice that I will endeavour by every means in my power to get this Question answered.