§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNG (Cavan, E.)To ask the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, if he can state the number of the Royal Irish Constabulary in active service in Ireland and the cost, and the number of pensioners and the cost; and whether the reduction of the force is contemplated.
208 (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I beg to refer the hon. Member to the Estimates for the coming year, which show that 9,978 officers and men are to be provided for the total net cost, exclusive of pensions and gratuities, being, £923,862. The same Estimates show the present number of pensioners to be 7,736, and the amount of their pensions £379,676. A considerable reduction in the number and cost of the Royal Irish Constabulary has been effected in recent years. The question of further reducing the force has been and is under my consideration.