§ MR. SLOANTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state under what circumstances eight Protestant police officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary stationed in Leopold Street Barracks, Belfast, are to be transferred to counties; and if, before these transfers are carried out, he will order a sworn inquiry to be held, and thereby give an opportunity to the officers concerned to make their defence.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell) The Inspector - General of the Royal Irish Constabulary informs me that, in the interests of discipline, he has ordered the transfer of six men from Leopold Street Station to other districts. Five of the men are Protestants, but the question of religion had no bearing on the matter. The Answer to the latter part of the Question is in the negative. The entire matter is one for the decision of the Inspector-General.