§ Mr. HAZLETONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the Constabulary Force Fund, the amount available for it, and who is responsible for its administration; whether he is aware that the way in which rewards from this fund are bestowed puts a premium on the magnifying of agrarian offences by the police; and whether he will grant an inquiry into the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Constabulary Force Fund was originally established under the Constabulary (Ireland) Act, 1836, and is divided into two parts, styled respectively the Reward and Benefit Branches. The income of the Reward Branch, to which the question appears to refer, is derived from fines imposed on members of the force by the Constabulary authorities, and from portions of the fines and penalties awarded to the police, and of the fees received by them for the verification of weights and measures. The receipts, which are necessarily fluctuating, amounted, in the year ended 31st March, 1908, to £5,439; the disbursements in the same year amounting to £5,405. The funds of the Reward Branch are accounted for by the Inspector - General under Rules approved by the Treasury. All good police service, whether in connection with agrarian crime or not, is considered and dealt with by the Reward Board, which is composed of the superior officers of the force, on precisely the same lines as have been followed for many years past. I see no reason for any inquiry.
§ Mr. HAZLETONMay I ask whether in this fund is a special heading for rewards dealing with agrarian offences?
§ Mr. BIRRELLVery likely there will be a special heading under that subject, but it is not the only branch which is rewarded under this fund.
§ Mr. BYLESHas the strength of the force been increased or reduced since the Government came into office?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt has been increased.