HC Deb 01 August 1899 vol 75 cc1056-7
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Inspector General's Circular to the Royal Irish Constabulary regulates the promotion from the ranks; if so, are all head constables possessing, the qualifications it prescribes necessarily allowed to compete; how many eligible head constables have applied for permission to compete when yet within the age limit, and have been refused; and was any reason or explanation offered to the candidate for the refusal; and would the Government cause this competition to be placed on a basis which will entitle every qualified head constable to compete as a matter of right.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

The Circular of 17th January, 1895, amended the rules of the Constabulary Code regulating promotion from the rank of head constable to that of district inspector. The amended rules provide for this promotion—firstly, by selection from among head constables within the prescribed age of forty-eight, subject to their passing a qualifying. examination; and secondly, by selection from among all head constables under the age of forty-two, who have passed the prescribed Civil Service Examination, subject to a competitive examination in professional subjects. I understand the hon. and learned Member to ask me whether the Government is prepared to eliminate from the process of promotion the element of selection, and my answer to this question must be in the negative. As regards the second paragraph, several head constables, who were within the limit of age, have from time to time applied for permission to come forward for examination, but no record has been kept of the number of such applications. It is not usual in these cases, nor would it be expedient, to explain the reasons why such men are con- sidered ineligible for a higher rank. A head constable may be very efficient as such, and yet be altogether unsuitable for the more responsible position of district inspector.

MR. T. M. HEALY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as the Constabulary Estimates have not for several years been under discussion, he will not undertake to examine personally into the feeling which prevails among the lower ranks of the police force as to what is believed to be favouritism with regard to the selection of officers?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

I am quite willing to examine into the matter, but I do not see how, in the process of selection, it would be possible to avoid some dissatisfaction.

MR. FIELD

Is it the intention of the present regulation to shut out senior constables from becoming district inspectors?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

Not at all. Many of the inspectorships are filled from the ranks.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Have not the Government adopted a system which really destroys the advantages supposed to be derived from the rule?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

I do not think so. Anyway, I notice that the regulations now in force are those laid down by the late Government.