§ MR. LONSDALETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what was the total number of the statutory free establishment of constabulary distributed by Order in Council on the occasion of the last redistribution of the force among counties and county boroughs; whether the constabulary authorities are of opinion that the number so distributed is adequate to existing demands and requirements in Ireland; whether there is power to increase the establishment of police in the absence of the proclamation of counties and baronies under the provisions of the Act 6 Will. 4, c. 13; and, if not, whether he will consider, in consultation with the constabulary authorities, the question of the propriety of recommending the Lord-Lieutenant to give effect to the provisions of this Act by the issue of proclamations declaring certain counties or portions of counties to be in a state of disturbance necessitating the employment of extra forces of police.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe total number of the free force of the Royal Irish Constabulary, as fixed by Order in Council of 18th May 1906, is 8,553. I am not prepared to make any statement upon the matters referred to in the remainder of the Question beyond saying that the Government will take all proper measures for employing extra police in those districts in which their services may become necessary.