HC Deb 27 February 1919 vol 112 cc2034-5

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £134,105, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1919, for the Expenses of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

Captain WILSON

I think there must be a mistake in the last column of this Vote. It says, "Appropriation-in-Aid: deduct from the gross total £5,837 on the gross total of £128,268." I notice that they are added together and this makes £134,105. I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether that is correct or not. It appears to me that these amounts have been added instead of being deducted. Whether it is a misprint or error I do not know. I submit that the sum which you, Mr. Deputy-Chairman, have put is the wrong sumand ought to be reduced.

Sir H. CRAIK

I think I might throw a little light upon this point. These Appropriations are sums which have accumulated and are paid in, and the office in question has no power to deal with them except by way of a special Grant.

The DEPUTY-CHAIRMAN

In regard to the Appropriation-in-Aid the hon. Member will see that the original estimate was £41,910 and the revised Estimate £36,073. Therefore the amount of the original Estimate was not realised by the Appropriations-in-Aid, and the amount of £5,837 has to be added.

Mr. SAMUELS

The hon Member will find this point explained in Note Q.

Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAM

Is there an increase in the wages of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

Mr. SAMUELS

Yes, that is so.

Mr. GRAHAM

How much do they get?

Mr. SAMUELS

The sum that is mentioned is an additional sum up to last September.