§ MR. FIELDTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction amongst the ratepayers in the Dublin metropolitan district respecting the charges levied for the support of the Dublin metropolitan police; whether he is aware of the disproportion which exists in regard to the ratio of police and the
†See (4) Debates, clxi., 1021.1402 population and of the expense in Dublin as compared with cities in Great Britain; and whether he will inquire into this matter and arrange that the control and payment of the Dublin metropolitan police shall be managed by the local authority as it is in Great Britain.(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I was not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction among the ratepayers in the Dublin metropolitan police district in regard to the charges levied for the support of the Dublin metropolitan police. The charge may, no doubt, be higher than that in many cities in Great Britain, but I understand that even in these cities the ratio of police and population to expense differs widely, and it would, therefore, be impossible to make a comparison between Dublin and these cities generally. I am informed that the Dublin metropolitan police is modelled on the similar force for London, the Acts of Parliamen relating to it being based upon those affecting London; and neither of the forces is under local control. No change in the system could be effected without legislation, and I am not prepared to say that the change suggested by the hon. Member is desirable.