§ 9. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a large number of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have resigned their positions because of the enactment of compulsory military service for Ireland and being unprepared to be parties to enforcing Conscription on their fellow countrymen; whether any instructions have been issued by the Press Censor in 1730 Ireland that these resignations should not be published in the Press; and whether he will take steps to reassure members of the Royal Irish Constabulary on this matter, and to reinstate those who have resigned on a mistaken view of the situation?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am informed that nine members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have resigned for the reasons stated in the question. Instructions issued to the Press Censor are confidential, and I cannot make any statement with regard to them. Applications for reinstatement by men who resigned will be considered, in accordance with the usual practice.
§ Mr. KINGIs it to be understood from that that it is anticipated that they will apply in view of Conscription having been dropped?
§ 11. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many members of the Royal Irish Constabulary resigned from the force during April and May in the years 1916, 1917, and 1918 respectively?
§ Mr. SHORTTI cannot add anything to the first part of the answer given by my predecessor to a question by the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin on the 15th March.