HC Deb 11 May 1909 vol 4 cc1664-5
Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state upon whose recommendation and upon whose authority the free constabulary force in county Meath was reduced in recent years; and whether he will explain why the force was reduced below the average requirements, seeing that, if afterwards found necessary to temporarily increase it, the local rates are charged with the cost of the increase, which was in reality due to-miscalculation on the part of some official?

Mr. BIRRELL

The free constabulary force for each county and city is fixed triennially by His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant by and with the advice of the Privy Council, as authorised by the Constabulary (Ireland) Redistribution Act, 1885, and the present free force of 172 sergeants and constables allotted to the county of Meath is that which was considered to be required at the time the total force of Ireland was last distributed.

Mr. WHITE

If more police are required, will they be charged upon the county?

Mr. BIRRELL

I imagine that they will. Every three years we make a calculation as to what the requirements of each county may be, and we have at that time to make the best calculation we can. Of course, the circumstances may alter after each redistribution has been made, and that is what we have to consider.

Mr. WHITE

Is it not a disadvantage under that system to deplete the constabulary to-day to an abnormally low level, and to-morrow to increase it there, thereby being an increased charge on the rates instead of on the Imperial charges?

Mr. BIRRELL

That can only be done if the Irish Government shamefully neglect their duty.

Mr. DELANY

During the last three years the constabulary have increased abnormally. Can the right hon. Gentleman say why?

Mr. BIRRELL

The altered condition of things in the county of Meath. During the last two years things have been different than at the time the last redistribution was made.

Mr. HAZLETON

Will the authorities in Ireland consult the Irish county councils before deciding what the next free quota of policemen shall be?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir; I do not think that would lead to any satisfactory results.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Is it not the fact that the free quota in the different counties is regulated according to the population of the different counties?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir; it is regulated according to the necessities of each county.

Mr. WHITE

Arising out of that question—

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. I think the hon. Gentleman had better put down a question. He has had a very good innings.