§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with regard to the table of subscriptions which has been framed for every rank in the Royal Irish Constabulary in connection with the Jubilee Fund, whether steps have been taken, or will be taken, with a view to ascertain the opinion of the force as to whether the fund shall retain its present form or be converted into a provident fund, in which all widows and orphans would be entitled to participate.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURThe table referred to in the first part of the question is evidently that contained in the printed rules of the fund. The fund is one over the administration of which the Government has no control. The Inspector General is not aware of any reason why 745 such steps should be taken as are suggested in the second part of the question. The subscribers generally appear to be satisfied with the present scope and objects of the fund, but any suggestions as to changes in rules should be made to the secretary of the fund at the depot, who will submit them to the committee of management for their consideration.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANHave any steps been taken to ascertain the opinions of the force in this matter?
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURI am not aware of any.