HC Deb 23 October 1902 vol 113 c628
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that a Return giving information regarding the number and nature of prosecutions instituted by each candidate of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Belfast for the P (promotion) examination for the past twelve months has been called for by the Commissioner of Police in Belfast; and whether, with a view of preventing a system under which promotion is grounded on the success of prosecutions, directions will be given to the Belfast Commissioner to withdraw this circular.

MR. WYNDHAM

Such a Return was called for. But there is no foundation whatever for the statement that the I system of promotion is grounded on the success of prosecutions. This is only one element for consideration in determining a man's fitness for promotion. Other elements are his general qualifications—length of service, the possession of favourable or unfavourable records. As a matter of face some men were rejected who had instituted a large number of prosecutions, whilst others with only two or three were admitted to the examination.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

But as a matter of fact, was the total number of prosecutions instituted by each man given in the Return?

MR. WYNDHAM

I said so.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

And the Constabulary Gazette denounced this system.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!