§ Mr. LYNCHasked what was the amount of the cost to the county of Clare during the past twelve months on account of the extra police and the extra patrols employed in connection with the Kinlea farm; and whether, in view of the character that West Clare now enjoys in the comparative freedom from crime, the extra police may be removed, and the entire police force in the constituency reduced?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs I have already informed the hon. Member the cost of the police employed on this duty is £170 per annum. The responsible police authorities do not think that the time has yet come when any change in the police arrangements in West Clare can be safely recommended.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will take into consideration that this is a very onerous burden on the poor population of West Clare, which is black listed, whereas Judge Bodkin said in court it compared well with any county in Great Britain.
§ Mr. MOORECan the right hon. Gentleman state the amount of compensation for injuries given in West Clare at the last assizes?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am afraid I cannot without notice. I can assure the hon. Member (Mr. Lynch) I am most anxious to relieve any portion of Clare from this expenditure, but at the present moment, in the exercise of my discretion, I cannot do so.