§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many extra police were drafted into county Meath during the year 1908, from what counties they were drafted, and what was the cost of transferring the men?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe number of sergeants and constables drafted into Meath in 1908 from other counties was as follows:—From Carlow 2, from Cork 10, from Kerry 4, from Limerick 10; total 26. These 26 men were sent to replace a like number who had been drafted into Meath in 1907 from counties other than the four which I have mentioned, but who could no longer be spared from their own stations. Twenty-four sergeants and constables were also drafted into Meath in 1908 from the reserve. The books of the Royal Irish Constabulary are not kept in such a form as to enable the cost of transferring men in particular cases to be furnished.
§ Mr. WHITECan the right hon. Gentleman say how long these men that were drafted there remained in the county of Meath?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir. The hon. Member should give me notice of that question.
§ Mr. HAZLETONIf the right, hon. Gentleman cannot ascertain the cost of transferring these men, how can he fix the charges on the County Councils?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWell, I will inquire into that; but I should explain that that does not really arise on the question.
§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the decrease in the free constabulary force in the county of Meath from 248 in 1903 to 172 in 1908, he will consider the equity of exercising the power vested in him and remit the charges attempted to be levied on the county council for extra men temporarily drafted into the county while the free force is so much reduced?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe county council is legally liable for these charges, and no remission can be made.
§ Mr. WHITEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the charge cannot be made unless the Lord Lieutenant directs; if he does so direct has he not the power also to remit?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWell, I think not. The charge having been authorised to be made 1664 by the Lord Lieutenant, I do not think there is any power to remit it.
§ Mr. FLYNNIf the books are not kept, in such a way as to set forth the charges, how can the Inspector-General of Constabulary arrive at the cost that is charged the county councils?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWell, the whole question of the cost of transferring these policemen is not merely the cost of their railway fares, but other items. I will make inquiry.
§ Mr. WHITEMay I ask if the charges are not higher than in the time of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Dover?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will inquire into that.