HC Deb 19 October 1916 vol 86 cc709-11
16. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the recent increases in pay and bonus to meet the increased cost of living which have, since the commencement of the War, been granted to members of the police force in the Metropolis and country districts of Great Britain have been extended to the Royal Irish Constabulary; and, if so, will he say how the pay of a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary compares with that of a member of a police force in an average English or Scottish county?

Mr. REDDY

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask what is the pay of the district inspectors and inspectors who are already overpaid, and how it compares with the pay of the inspectors in England?

Mr. DUKE

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down. The statutory pay of the Royal Irish Constabulary was increased shortly after the outbreak of war, and a war bonus at the rate of 3s. 6d. a week for head and other constables of the force was granted as from 1st July last. Representations for a further increase of pay for this force and for the Dublin Metropolitan Police are at present under consideration by the Irish Government and the Treasury. The general comparison suggested in the last part of the hon. Member's question cannot usefully be made within the limits of a Parliamentary reply, as factors other than pay (such as allowances, housing accommodation, and general conditions of service) have to be taken into consideration, and they are not uniform.

Sir E. CARSON

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the inquiry now going on will include the pay of district inspectors?

Mr. DUKE

The inquiry has taken account of the conditions of all members of the two police forces.

Major NEWMAN

Is it not a fact that the increase in pay of 2s. per week took place before the War?

Mr. DUKE

I believe the fact is that there was an inquiry before the War, but I gather from the official information that the order for the increase of pay, which depends upon an Act of Parliament, was made shortly after the outbreak of the War?

Mr. REDDY

Is it not a fact that they are already overpaid?

26. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the nature of the proposals which have been submitted to the Treasury to improve the condition of the Dublin Metropolitan Police; if they have yet been sanctioned; and if he will state from what date the new conditions will take effect?

Mr. DUKE

The proposals which have been submitted to the Treasury cannot be published, as they have not yet been sanctioned. The date from which it is proposed that the new conditions shall take effect is subject to the same restriction. I expect to be able without long delay to make a further answer.

Mr. BYRNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the year 1882 the Dublin police were on a level with the London police in pay, and that since then the Dublin police have only received one shilling per week increase, whilst the London police have advanced twelve shillings?

Mr. DUKE

Before I made certain recommendations with regard to the pay of the police, I ascertained, I think, all the salient facts with regard to the matter. I cannot recall whether the hon. Member has accurately stated the circumstances.