§ 7. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, having regard to the comparative absence of crime in Ireland, culminating in the blank or trivial calendars disclosed at the Assizes just held there, and to the fact that policemen, thus left without duties, are still seven times as numerous in Ireland as in this country in proportion to population, if he will say on what grounds he keeps that armed and drilled force idle in Ireland while offering inducements to peasants engaged in food production to abandon that occupation and enlist; and whether, on the grounds of economy and utility, he will first offer equal inducements to the Royal Irish Constabulary to the extent of half that force, and subsequently to the extent of the other half if required for the War?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The circumstances in Ireland, incorrectly appreciated in the hon. Member's question, are not such as to justify the reduction in the Royal Irish Constabulary suggested by him. A considerable number of the Royal Irish Constabulary have enlisted in the Army.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman offer facilities to encourage them to enlist, instead of tempting young peasants who are producing food?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWe give every assistance for the enlistment of these gallant men, who display every desire to go, and, if more have not gone, I am afraid that it is not they but I who must bear the burden of it.