50. Major MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether he was aware that, notwithstanding the recommendations of several Chief Secretaries, the Treasury had refused to sanction an increase in the pay of Irish resident magistrates; whether he was aware that the present rates of pay were fixed in the year 1874 and no increase in salary had been granted since; that under the Irish Police Bill the pay and allowances of district inspectors of the Royal Irish Constabulary who occupied subordinate positions would be greater than that of resident magistrates; whether he would take steps whereby persons occupying judicial positions should receive salaries adequate to maintain their 1492 positions; and, with a view to have the grievances of Irish resident magistrates redressed, would he immediately appoint a Committee presided over by a judge of the Irish High Court to inquire into and report on the grievances of Irish resident magistrates as to their present financial position?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe remuneration of resident magistrates is at the present time considerably greater than the total emoluments of district inspectors of the Royal Irish Constabulary, the former class having been granted during the War a war bonus greater in amount than the increases which have been granted to district inspectors. The revision of salaries generally in the Royal Irish Constabulary is still under consideration by a Committee and in present circumstances I do not think it will serve any useful purpose to institute the inquiry suggested in the question.