§ MR. MEEHANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the total cost per annum of the Crimes Branch of the Royal Irish Constabulary, what is the total amount of salary and allowances given to the county inspector, the district inspector, the sergeant and constables at head quarters and the thirty-seven men attached to this branch of the service; what is the special duty which they are charged with discharging; will he lay upon the Table of the House a copy of the Reports supplied under this head of service; does their work mainly consist in attending and reporting Nationalist meetings, shadowing and reporting on the actions of Nationalist representatives and local leaders, and the proceedings generally of the Nationalist organisation; and whether, in view of the crimeless state of Ireland, as testified by official Returns and the charges delivered by the several judges of Assizes, will the Government discontinue this branch of the service and apply the money so wasted to some useful purpose.
MR. BKYCEThe total amount of the salaries and allowances of the officers and men of the Crimes Branch is £5,800. The work of the Branch consists of criminal investigation. It would be entirely contrary to practice to lay upon the Table copies of reports made by the police for the information of the Inspector-General. It is no part of the duty of the Branch to attend and report upon Nationalist meetings, or to engage in the other operations mentioned. I have already informed the hon. Member that it is deemed necessary to continue the branch.
§ MR. FLYNNasked if this £5,800 was charged against the secret Service Fund or on the constabulary vote.