§ SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how it is proposed to reduce the number of the Royal Irish Constabulary, whether by stopping entry or by discharges; and, if by discharges, whether it is intended to discharge men qualified to receive pensions, or to dismiss men who are not yet entitled to pensions but who would in due course become entitled to pensions were their services not so terminated.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) It has already been stated that the strength of the force will be reduced mainly by the suspension of recruiting. The power conferred by statute of requiring the retirement of men who have qualified for pension, but who are no longer efficient members of the force, will continue to be exercised in the future as it has been in the past.