§ MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that members of the Royal Irish Constabulary force have taken evicted farms in Ireland; and whether, in view of the unpopularity of this action, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to cause its discontinuance.
§ MR. WYNDHAMSome three or four members of the Constabulary have taken evicted farms. They are prohibited under the regulations from themselves taking part in the working of land, whether evicted or otherwise. But this prohibition is personal to members of the force, and it is not proposed to extend it.
§ MR. CULLINANIs it not distinctly against the rule for members of the Royal Irish Constabulary to take farms?
§ MR. WYNDHAMAs I understand it, the regulations lay it down that they shall not engage in the working of farms; but they may hold land elsewhere than in the county in which they are stationed.
§ MR. DILLONAre we to understand that the wives and children of the men may take and work evicted farms?
§ MR. WYNDHAMWe can draw no distinction between evicted and other farms.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Will you grant the wives separation allowances?
§ MR. CULLINANAre these men, the custodians of law and order—
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!