§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that members of the Royal Irish Constabulary retiring on pension are entitled according to Finance Code 656 to 4 per cent, on their pay from the Constabulary Force Fund, and that this amount was reduced in March, 1895, to 2 per cent, in consequence of the insolvency of the fund; will he say if the fund is now in a solvent condition, and what percentage it is able to pay to the remaining subscribers; and will he direct the Inspector-General to raise the percentage in accordance with the amount it is able to pay.
†p Six; (4) Debates, cxxs., 234.1434 (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The grant was calculated at the rate of 4 per cent, between the years 1891 and 1895, and was reduced to 2 per cent, in the latter year. It is payable only to members of the force who joined before 18th June, 1883, and its object is to cover the cost of expenses incurred when retiring from the service. The fund is solvent. The income of the reward branch of the fund, out of which the grant in question is paid, is not derived from subscriptions. It is not proposed to increase the percentage.