§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state under what circumstances members of the Royal Irish Constabulary holding the rank of head constables and sergeants, stationed 1217 in county Down, are permitted to remain in the service for a period extending over the completion of their full service; and whether, in the interest of the public service, he will cause inquiry to be made with the view of having such men to retire forthwith.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The power vested in the Inspector-General, by Act of Parliament, to compulsorily retire members of the force under the rank of district inspector after they have completed twenty-five years service, is exercised only in cases of inefficiency or for some other sufficient reason, and not on account of length of service alone.