13. Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the proposal in the Government of Ireland Bill to hand over the Royal Irish Constabulary at a certain period to the control of an Irish Executive, any provision has been made to arrange that the benefits provided for widows and orphans out of the Constabulary Force Fund will be secured under the Imperial Treasury and not left to the discretion of an Irish Executive; and whether this fund is now in a perfectly solvent condition and prepared, so far as can be foreseen, to meet all claims likely to be made on behalf of the wives and children of surviving subscribers to the benefit branch?
§ Mr. BIRRELLPayments out of the Constabulary Force Fund to widows and orphans of deceased members of the force are made under the authortiy of the Lord Lieutenant and will continue to be so made after the passing of the Bill. There appears to be no occasion for special provision of the nature indicated by the hon. Member, but the fund is to a certain extent under the control of the National Debt Commissioners and may be dealt with, if necessary, under Clause 44 of the Bill. The fund is solvent.