§ Mr. T. M. KETTLE (for Mr. Hazleton)asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds Steeven's Hospital is selected by the Royal Irish Constabulary for the treatment of constables; whether the hospital enjoys a monopoly among Dublin hospitals for Royal Irish Constabulary patients; what sums per week are deducted from the pay of constabulary patients and handed over to the hospital authorities; and whether he will explain why two patients suffering from tubercular disease of the lungs, one of whom died, were recently accommodated in the common ward, to the danger of all the other patients?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the constabulary authorities that Steeven's Hospital is selected for the treatment of 1407 constables on the ground of its proximity to the depot, and the desirability of having one hospital where special wards can be set apart and beds kept always available for members of the force. It enjoys a practical monopoly in Dublin for the treatment of constabulary patients. Single men pay 2s. 3d., married men 1s. 4d., and recruits 1s. 10d. per day for treatment in the hospital. One patient, who had tubercular disease of the lungs, was retained for a time in the common ward on the responsibility of the doctor who was attending him, but was removed before his death.
§ Mr. KETTLEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Inspector-General, according to the code, when considering the fitness of district inspectors for advancement to the rank of county inspector, is bound to inquire whether they have cultivated friendly relations with the gentry in their neighbourhood; whether such relations are found to be helpful to members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in the detection of crime; whether the horse and groom equipment of officers is allowed in order to facilitate them in cultivating such friendly relations; and whether any British police force lays this down as a part of police duty and a qualification for promotion?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the constabulary authorities that the code is undergoing revision and that the query referred to has for some years past been modified. The inquiry now made is whether the district inspector has cultivated a friendly, but strictly impartial, intercourse with all classes. This is obviously desirable, but it is not the reason why a horse and groom are allowed to police officers. I am not in a position to say what the qualifications for promotion may be in the various police forces outside Ireland.
§ Mr. KETTLEWhen is the new code likely to be issued?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt is undergoing revision. I will ascertain when it will be issued, and let the hon. Gentleman know.