§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he can state how many (if any) young gentlemen aspirants to the rank of district inspector in the Royal Irish Constabulary presented themselves for examination at the depôt in December last; (2) whether he can state how many of them were sons of officers; (3) who has the gift of making these nominations; and (4) whether, in view of the proposed reduction of the force, these appointments will in future be thrown open exclusively to deserving constables and head constables?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOUREighteen gentlemen competed at the examination held in December last for four cadetships in the Royal Irish Constabulary. Seven of the candidates were sons of officers. The nominations are in the gift of the Lord Lieutenant. The answer to the fourth paragraph is in the negative.