§ MR. SLOANTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how much money, invested and otherwise, stands to the credit of the Royal Irish Constabulary Depot canteen; from what source have the profits mainly accrued, and whether the reserve constables have any actual voice in its disposal; whether the depot gymnasium was built out of the profits made in the canteen, and, if so, by whose direction; whether a cricket pavilion, used chiefly by constabulary officers and their friends, was also built out of the canteen fund; and if he will explain why such profits are not devoted to the cheapening of provisions consumed by the Royal Irish Constabulary stationed at the depot.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The total amount standing to the credit of the canteen fund is £779. The profits mainly accrue from the sale of liquor. There is a sub-committee, consisting of one head constable, one sergeant, one acting sergeant, and two reserve constables, and all special expenditure from the canteen profits is sanctioned by this committee. The depot gymnasium was built at the suggestion of the Inspector-General, and with the unanimous approval 2091 of the canteen committee. The cricket pavilion was built out of the same fund. It is used by all ranks at the depot for cricket, football, hockey, and athletic clubs. A small portion of the canteen profits is devoted to the cheapening of provisions.