§ MR. FLAVINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is proposed to fill the position of Inspector General of Royal Irish Constabulary by the promotion of an officer serving in the force, or whether it is the intention of the Government to fill the position by the appointment of an officer not belonging to the force; and, if so, what are his qualifications for the position.
§ MR. G.W. BALFOURThe position of Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary has been offered to and accepted by Colonel Neville Chamberlain, at present in South Africa. In the opinion of the Irish Government he possesses the qualifications of experience and capacity which Lit him for the position.
§ MR. DILLONDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that this gentleman has any experience whatever of police duties?
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURNot directly of police duties, but he has had plenty of experience—in South Africa, for instance.
§ Mr. FLAVINHas he ever served an hour in the Irish constabulary? Is it because he served in South Africa that he is going to be appointed over the heads of other officers?
§ [No answer was given.]