§ MR. REDDYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many constables, head constables, district inspectors, and county inspectors of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been retired; and whether, though the number of constables is to be reduced considerably, the number of highly paid inspectors with little or no duty is not to be changed.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe published Estimate for the Royal Irish Constabulary shows the numbers in each of the ranks mentioned for which provision is proposed in the next, as compared with the current, financial year. Owing to the statutory rights of county and district inspectors the scheme of reduction cannot have a proportionately large effect on them as on the rank and file. But recruiting has been suspended for the present in the case of officers as well as men.
In reply to a further Question, MR. WYMDHAM said that ultimately the proportions would be adjusted.