§ 41. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will say how many county and district inspectors of police in Ireland receive yearly allowances, and how much, for the upkeep of a man servant and never keep one; how many receive yearly allowances, and how much, for the upkeep of a horse but use a bicycle or hired car when they require one; how many policemen of all ranks are now engaged in political espionage, as distinguished from ordinary police duties; and whether, as an example of and inducement to thrift, he will stop these items of expenditure or bring them under the notice of the Economy Committee?
§ Mr. BIRRELLA servant's allowance of £15 per annum is paid to 217 county and district inspectors of the Royal Irish Constabulary, of whom 194 have servants, the remaining twenty-three being at present without them for various reasons. The allowance of £50 per annum towards the maintenance of either a horse or a motor car, the possession of one or other of which must be certified each month by all officers drawing the allowance, is at present paid to 212 of them. It is part of the ordinary duties of all members of the force to exercise such supervision as may be possible and necessary over persons who have committed or are suspected of committing illegal acts. The answer to the last paragraph is in the negative.