67. Mr. NUGENTasked the Home Secretary if discontent exists amongst the members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police with their treatment in the matter of salary; whether several meetings of the men have been held and that dangerous results may arise both to life and to property through ignoring the men's grievances; whether he will consider that the time has now arrived for a review of the salary and cost of living of these men as compared with the salary and cost of living in 1884; and, if not, why the Government should now take from the ratepayers of Dublin, year 1916–17, £13,510 per year more than in 1884, though the cost of the Dublin Metropolitan Police has been reduced during the same period by £12,566 per year?
§ Mr. DUKEIt is true that representations; have been made by members of the 1058 Dublin Metropolitan Police that certain of the existing rates of pay are insufficient. Meetings of some of the Men have taken place, but I have no reason to suppose that the Dublin Metropolitan Police will behave otherwise than with the discipline and loyalty to duty which they have always shown. Since my appointment I have devoted a good deal of time to the matter to which the question relates, and I intend to continue my investigations in Dublin.
Mr. NUGENTWill the right hon. Gentleman see that, pending his inquiry into the rate of pay of the Dublin Police, these men are not irritated by notices posted up in the barracks threatening them with dismissal if they bring their grievances before the Lord Mayor of Dublin, who represents the whole of the citizens by whom the rate is paid?
§ Mr. DUKEMy hon. Friend will remember that in a disciplined force it is impossible to observe the same course of conduct which might be proper outside discipline for those in ordinary employment, but I can promise him that no. irritation will be used towards members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police.
Mr. NUGENTWill the right hon. Gentleman see that this notice is withdrawn pending his inquiry into the whole of the conditions under which the Dublin Metropolitan Police are at present working?
§ Mr. DUKEI cannot assume that the notice which was published, and to which nay hon. Friend refers, was an improper notice. If a notice was in my judgment improper and inconsistent with the treatment to which the police are entitled, I should take care that the publication of if was discontinued.
Mr. NUGENTAre we to understand that the fact of the police putting their conditions before the Lord Mayor of Dublin is an improper and illegal thing for them to do?
§ Mr. DUKEIf my hon. Friend asks me whether I think it is inconsistent with discipline that representations should be made to outside authorities which have not been made to those who have the government of the police, I am bound to tell him that I think it is.
§ Mr. SPEAKERAny further questions should be put down.