§ 6. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if inspectors under the National Insurance Act are being accompanied upon their domiciliary visits by constabulary officers; if he will state the reasons for this procedure; and whether it has received his official sanction?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Inspector-General is not aware that it is the practice of the police to accompany inspectors under the National Insurance Act when making domiciliary visits. One case, however, has come to his notice in which the police 761 accompanied the inspector as a breach of the peace was anticipated.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEIs it in accordance with the law for police officers to accompany the inspectors on these occasions?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir, unless under particular circumstances. In this, probably the only case which has occurred, a breach of the peace was anticipated. Certainly it is not customary or right for the police to accompany the inspector.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Inspector-General on the subject?
§ Mr. BIRRELLHe will see what I have said.