§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has been made aware of the proceedings at the Cork County Council on 7th February, and that the council protested against charges put forward by the Irish Government of £207 5s. 11d. and £120 respectively, for an alleged number of extra police, and likewise complained they were refused any information in respect to those charges; and what explanation the constabulary authorities have to offer in regard to the reasons for and justification of charges for extra police in a peaceable county and for withholding all information from the county council.
§ MR. BIRRELLI understand that the fact is as stated in the first part of the Question. The county council have since arranged to pay the charges in dispute. These charges were for extra police sent, during the half years ending 31st March and 30th September, 1906, to certain disturbed areas in County Cork by Order of the Lord-Lieutenant on the representation of the responsible police authorities that such extra police were necessary for the preservation of the peace. The charge upon the local authorities is mandatory under Statute, and the county council have been so informed.
§ MR. FLYNNIf the information is so easily available why was it not supplied to the council in response to repeated requests?
§ [No Answer was returned.]