§ MR. FLYNN (Cork County, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many police stations, including police huts and protection posts, have been closed in the Newmarket, county Cork, police district 1002 within the past three years; is he aware that police constables have orders to visit certain houses in the district, and that subsequently these houses are visited by a sergeant or other superior officer to inquire if the constables have made these visits; and, if so, what explanation of these occurrences can be given by the Constabulary authorities.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThree stations were discontinued in the past three years. It is one of the fundamental duties of a constable in every police force to inspire the community with confidence in his vigilant guardianship of person and property. As a means to this end the police in rural districts occasionally call at houses and inquire if the occupants have any complaints. These visits are not resented. The police are not instructed to visit particular houses. No inquiries of the character mentioned are subsequently made by a superior officer.
§ MR. FLYNNCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether those visits were of an inquisitorial or social character?
§ MR. WYNDHAMOf an inquiring but not of an inquisitorial character.