HC Deb 05 July 1904 vol 137 cc652-4
MR. JOSEPH DEVLIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the pledges given last year that the removal of Sergeant Gallagher from the charge of Greencastle, county Antrim, police district, and the substitution for him of Head Constable Moore was only a temporary arrangement, he will say whether any circumstance has arisen in the meantime to cause a reconsideration of that promise; and, if so, what is its nature; and, if nothing detrimental to the character of Sergeant Gallagher has taken place since then, he will be reinstated in his old position.

MR. WYNDHAM

The question of the retention of the head constable at Greencastle is entirely a matter for the consideration of the Constabulary authorities. He was transferred to that station in August last in the interests of the public. The Commissioner of Police at Belfast reports that he has the confidence of all classes and that he is aware of no reasons for transferring him from Greencastle. The Inspector-General concurs in the views of the Commissioner, and I do not propose to intervene in the matter.

MR. JOSEPH DEVLIN

Is not the retention of Head Constable Moore looked upon as an insult to Sergeant Gallagher?

ME. WYNDHAM

The hon. Member will see that the employment of an officer at a particular place cannot and does not reflect on any other officer's character. It is a matter of discipline and administrative convenience with which the Inspector-General is competent to deal.

MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

Have the inhabitants of Greencastle made any complaint as to this head constable being there.

MR. WYNDHAM

I do not think so.

MR. MACVEAGH

Did not the right hon. Gentleman last session say that the head constable was only stationed there temporarily, and did not the Police Commissioner for the city of Belfast promise a deputation subsequently that the appointment should be permanent?

MR. WYNDHAM

I cannot say, but at any rate it does not alter my view that this is a matter for the Inspector-General.

MR. MACVEAGH

Has the Belfast Commissioner superior jurisdiction to the right hon. Gentleman.

[No answer was returned.]