§ 6. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the total amount of money and value stolen from the Cork post office and the value of the goods stolen from the Cork military barracks recently, while the police, in uniform and in plain clothes, were engaged in shadowing Irish Volunteers; why no prosecution has followed either of those thefts; and whether the Cork people will be compelled to pay for extra police for political espionage, while the proper duties of a police force are neglected?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that the recent loss of certain moneys in the Cork post office amounted to £325. The matter was investigated by the Department, the offer of assistance from the police being declined, and the absence of any prosecution is due to the fact that the thief has not been found. Thefts of military stores have taken place from time to time from the Cork military barracks, but I have no information as to the value of the articles taken. Prosecutions have invariably followed in those cases where the 1003 police had sufficient evidence. No payment is being made from local rates at Cork in respect of extra police.
§ Mr. GINNELLThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the question. Does he not recognise that there would be evidence in those two cases if the police had discharged the duties for which they were appointed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWith regard to the reason why the Department declined the services of the police, was that the room in which the theft took place was one to which the public had no means of access, and therefore it was assumed that the police were not connected with the matter. That, at all events, is the reason why the services of the police were not accepted.