§ 95. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners have demanded the return of their subscriptions to the Constabulary Force Fund; and if he will state what reply has been returned to this request?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAlthough some pensioners have asked that the fund should be wound up and their subscriptions returned to them, it is clear that the statutory claims of the widows and orphans of the subscribers must first be considered. As the hon. Baronet is aware, an actuarial inquiry is now being made into the state of the fund, and until it is complete no general reply can be sent to these demands.
§ 96. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked how many resignations from the Royal Irish Constabulary in Belfast have taken place during the last six months; and if he has any information with respect to the cause of these resignations?
§ Mr. BIRRELLDuring the six months ended 31st March, 1913, seventeen constables resigned from the Belfast force. The reasons assigned for these resignations were ten to emigrate, four to better their position, one to take up another situation, one on account of disciplinary report, and one for private reasons.
§ 97. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked whether, having regard to the general increase in the cost of living, he will recommend a full inquiry into the pay and conditions of service of the Royal Irish Constabulary?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe last increase of pay was granted to the rank and file of the constabulary in 1908, and as I have already stated it is too soon to reopen the question.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman not consider, having regard to the cost of living, that it is almost time they did get an increase?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAlmost time, but not quite.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEQuite time.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI think not.