HC Deb 17 July 1900 vol 86 cc238-9
MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state what are the special qualifications of Colonel Neville Chamberlain for appointment to the post of Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary; what previous experience (if any) he has of police duties and police administration; and on whose recommendation was he appointed Inspector General.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

In reply to the first two paragraphs of this question I have nothing to add to what I said in answer to the hon. Member yesterday, except that it has been the rule, and not the exception, since the post of Inspector General was created in 1836, to appoint military men to the position. With respect to the last paragraph, the Lord Lieutenant, of course, satisfied himself of Colonel Chamberlain's suitability for the post, but any recommendations he received must be treated as confidential.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

What previous experience had he had of police duties?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

No direct experience.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N. E.)

Is service in India or South Africa considered a qualification for controlling the Irish police?

MR. FLAVIN

Does he know how to put on a constabulary uniform?