§ MR. MACALEESEI beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland has he observed that fourteen recruits from the constabulary depôt have been detailed to augment the strength of the Belfast police force; and is this movement intended to cope with possible disturbances in Belfast; and, if so, will he say what restraining effect upon a Belfast mob the addition of fourteen recruits to the constabulary in that town could have.
§ MR. ATKINSONIt is a fact that fourteen recruits have recently been sent to augment the Belfast police force. There is no special significance in this step, as the hon. Member seems to apprehend, the men having been detailed for ordinary police duty to fill vacancies. I don't know the precise number of police who could effectually restrain a Belfast mob; I wish I did.