HC Deb 16 May 1901 vol 94 cc267-8
MR. FLYNN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of the fact that a number of officers and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary have gone to the School of Musketry at Hythe for the purpose of rifle drill and practice, will he say whether it is intended to arm the Royal Irish Constabulary with the Lee-Metford rifle in place of the Martini-Henry rifle at present in use; and, if so, will the pay and other allowances of the members of the force as regards members joining in future be assimilated to the pay and allowances of non-commissioned officers and men of the Regular Army.

MR. WYNDHAM

There is no intention, at present, to re-arm the constabulary with Lee-Metfords. The course at Hythe comprises the theoretical principles of musketry. The method of the instruction given is of more importance than the pattern of rifle employed, and there is no sufficient ground for forming a special Martini-Henry class with special instructors.

MR. FLYNN

What about the last paragraph? Are they to be armed? Will they be paid as a military force?

MR. WYNDHAM

There is no intention of making them a military force.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Will the right hon. Gentleman now tell me that the men now undergoing a course of instruction at Hythe are not using the Lee-Metford rifles?

MR. WYNDHAM

I fully answered that the other day. They are at Hythe for a course of musketry.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

Who is it intended to shoot with these rifles?