§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant 1650 of Ireland if he will state the number of recruits for the Royal Irish Constabulary obtained during the first quarter of 1907, and the number obtained during the corresponding quarter of 1906.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe number of recruits for the Royal Irish Constabulary enrolled in the first quarter of 1907 was 204, and the number for the corresponding quarter of 1906 was 140.
§ MR. LONSDALECan the right hon. Gentleman account for the difference?
§ MR. BIRRELLYes. Twenty-five years ago the Irish force was largely increased and the period of retirement of the men then recruited is now falling due, consequently there are more vacancies to be filled up.