§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what are the arrangements in contemplation for the firing by the police of a certain number of rounds of revolver cartridges annually by every Member of the force; and will he state in what respect such arrangements are a variation of the arrangements hitherto existing in the case of men serving in counties?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe existing arrangements for the instruction of the Royal Irish Constabulary in the use of the revolver have been in force for a great number of years under successive Governments. The men are put through a course of practice. The Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary arranges the details.
Mr. CRAIGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the course of practice of which he speaks is only allowed when the constables are at the depot, and that after they leave the depot they never fire a single round?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI believe that is not the case. The Inspector-General deprecates discussions of this matter in the House.
§ Mr. FLYNNWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of arming the constabulary with field guns, Howitzers, Maxim guns, and so forth, to enable them to carry out their duties?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am afraid that the Chancellor of the Exchequer would object to that.
§ Mr. CHARLES CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, except in the mounted force and except as recruits at the depot, the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have had any revolver-firing practice with ball cartridge during the last five years?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh.
§ Mr. CRAIGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman on what ground the Inspector-General deprecates the bringing of this question before the House?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know the precise grounds, but I certainly deprecate it.
§ Mr. CRAIGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will ascertain from the Inspector-General "Yes" or "No" whether it is a fact that the constabulary have never fired a shot out of their revolvers?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo.