§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how many head constables are now serving in the Royal Irish Constabulary; what is the average age of policemen on attaining that rank; how many of those now serving have completed two years of service as head constables, and are still under forty-two years of age, thereby rendering them eligible to compete for
† See The Parliamentary Debates [Fourth Series], Vol. lxvii., page 788.1120 the rank of district inspector; and whether the Government will authorise the extension of the forty-two age limit, so that a larger proportion of head constables may have an opportunity of competing.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURThere are 250 head constables now serving in the constabulary. The average age of men promoted to that rank during the past two years is forty-two years and a half, and the number of head constables under forty-two years of age, and of two years service, having the necessary qualification rendering them eligible for selection by the promotion board to compete, is nine. The question whether, under the circumstances, the age limit of forty-two should not be extended is under consideration.