Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the cost of living has substantially increased in all parts of the United Kingdom since the year 1901, the date of the last inquiry into the pay of the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and that the pay of almost all other classes of public servants has been revised since that date, and especially that the rates of pay of nearly all the British police forces have recently been substantially increased; and whether he proposes to take steps to secure similar treatment for the Royal Irish Constabulary?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am aware that the cost of living has increased in all parts of the United Kingdom since 1901. The last increase of pay was granted to the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1908, not 1901, as suggested, and, as I have already stated, it is too soon to reopen the question.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman say what was the increase of pay—was it not a mere trifle?
Captain CRAIGIs it not a fact that the increase of pay was among the higher ranks, and not among the rank and file?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe whole question has received my careful attention. I quite agree it would be desirable, were it possible just now, to make some improvement in the conditions, but I really cannot hope to carry it out.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman promise to make an inquiry into this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am just as anxious to do everything I can for the Royal Irish Constabulary as the hon. Gentleman.