HC Deb 25 July 1904 vol 138 cc1052-3
MR. SLOAN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Head. Constable Ryan, of the Royal Irish Constabulary at Belfast, at present occupies the married quarters in Mount Pottinger, although he is not stationed in that district; and whether, in view of the fact that his father-in-law lives with him in these quarters, contrary to police regulations, he will consider the advisability of having these quarters occupied by the men at present doing duty in the district.

MR. WYNDHAM

My attention had not been previously drawn to this matter. The Inspector-General has given directions that the arrangement under which the head constable's father-in-law has been permitted to reside in the barrack shall no longer continue.

MR. SLOAN

Am I to understand that this head constable occupies quarters in these barracks without being stationed in the district, while others who are so stationed are deprived of quarters?

MR. WYNDHAM

That point is not raised by the Question. The point is as to the occupation of the barracks by the head constable's father-in-law.

MR. SLOAN

I asked as to the occupation of the barracks by the head constable himself.

MR. WYNDHAM

It is in the power of the Inspector-General to allocate these quarters, and I do not feel it my duty to interfere with his discretion.

MR. SLOAN

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman cannot interfere with the head constable occupying the married quarters, though not stationed in the district, while others stationed in the district are deprived of them?

MR. WYNDHAM

I say I cannot dream of interfering with the discretion of the Inspector-General.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of appointing the hon. Member as Inspector-General of the Orange section of the Belfast police force?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!