§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down Co., S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many police pensioners are employed as warders in Irish prisons; whether, before qualifying for pensions, they were declared unfit for further service in the police; whether it is intended to make any further appointments from the same class; and whether the Prisons Board intend to adopt a system of examinations for promotions in the prison service.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThree pensioners, declared to have been unfit for further service in the police force, are employed as warders in the Prisons Service. Before they were taken into the latter service they satisfied the Civil Service Commissioners and the Prisons Board of their fitness for the position of warder. Further similar appointments will be made as opportunities occur. All permanent warders undergo examination before appointment. The present system, whereby the best men are promoted by selection, works thoroughly well, and it is not proposed to alter it.
§ MR. MACVEAGHWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly say how it is that policemen who are declared unfit for further service are declared fit for service as prison warders?