§ MR. BARRIEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland when he will introduce his promised Bill dealing with the pay and pensions of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and whether, as he stated over a year ago that the matter had been too long delayed, he will make the provisions of the Bill retrospective so as to (-over the current year.
§ * MR. BIRRELLI had intended to take the Committee stage on Monday, but find that it is not an available day. I hope to take it to-morrow, after setting up the Committee to-night. When the financial resolution has been passed the Bill will be introduced at the earliest possible, moment, and will, I hope, become law before the end of the session. It is not proposed to make the operation of the Act retrospective.
§ MR. MOONEY (Newry)May I ask what time to-night? Because I may say to the right hon. Gentleman that it is a very controversial Motion, and will take some time.
§ MR. BIRRELLI cannot believe that it is.
§ MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN (Cork)May I ask what is the amount of money involved, and whether it would not be better applied in helping to settle the Irish Land question?
§ MR. BIRRELLThe police have their rights in this matter. It proceeds upon a recommendation of this House, the whole matter is overdue, and there should be no further delay.
§ MR. MOONEYMay I again ask the Chief Secretary at what time of the night he will take it? It does not appear on the Order Paper.
CAPTAIN CRAIGThe Chief Secretary says it is long overdue; is not that a reason for making it retrospective?
§ MR. BIRRELLI am told it will be taken after the Port of London Bill.
§ MR. MOONEYOn a point of order, can a Resolution of this kind be taken without its having appeared on the Notice Paper?
§ * MR. SPEAKERDoes the hon. Member mean the setting up of the Committee?
§ MR. MOONEYYes.
§ * MR. SPEAKERThat can be taken at any time. The Motion that this House resolve into a Committee can be taken at any time.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)In consequence of what has fallen from the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask him whether he seriously takes the view that this is a non-controversial measure?
§ MR. BIRRELLI think after this matter is explained to the House, and 290 after I have explained the purposes of the Bill, it will be non-controversial.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDWe all know the purpose of it.
§ * MR. SPEAKERI understand the Committee is already set up, and, therefore, no Motion will be necessary.
§ MR. MOONEYIs it not a fact that on the papers issued this morning there is a statement that he intends to take this on Monday next, which is an allotted day, and is he not, therefore, springing it on the House?
§ MR. BIRRELLIn answer to the Question, I said I hoped to take it on Monday.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDDocs the right hon. Gentleman seriously intend to take this Motion to-night without notice? I must be allowed to say that if he does, it will meet with the most strenuous opposition. Will he answer?
§ MR. BIRRELLI am very much surprised that there should be opposition to this matter, very much surprised indeed, but after what has fallen from the hon. and learned Member, I will not proceed.