55. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary whether he will cause immediate inquiry to be made into the hardship which the rise in the price of living is inflicting on the older class of pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary; is he aware that, owing to their past calling and loyalty, these men in many cases find it impossible to obtain local positions of trust which might otherwise be open to them; and will he see that every facility is given to them to obtain work in England when they apply for it?
§ Mr. SAMUELSThere is no record of the number of constabulary pensioners at present unemployed, and to make the inquiry suggested would involve much expenditure of time and labour out of all proportion to its public utility. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to that portion of his previous question on this subject on the 4th instant, in which it is stated that every effort is being made to facilitate pensioners obtaining suitable employment.
§ Mr. SAMUELSCertainly !