§ 7. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that some 35 members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police have been killed and twice the number wounded since 1st January last, he will institute a medal or decoration to be granted to the officers and men of these two forces who have shown special gallantry in the execution of their duty under circumstances dangerous to life and limb; and, if so, whether, to avoid delay, power will be given to the official heads of these two 1420 forces to bestow this medal or decoration on their own initiative?
§ Mr. HENRYThe Constabulary Reward Board have full power at present to award medals to members of the force, in the circumstances referred to in the question. They have already made many awards for pre-eminent valour and bravery, and have promoted a considerable number of sergeants and men, as well as giving them first class favourable records with grants. No decision has yet been arrived at as to the institution of an additional medal.
§ Colonel ASHLEYDoes this medal carry with it any money pension, as in the Army the V.C. carries £10 a year; and will the right hon. Gentleman consider favourably an extension of the medal to the Dublin Metropolitan Police, as this is given purely to the Royal Irish Constabulary?
§ Mr. HENRYI do not think the medal itself carries any pecuniary consideration, but in these cases favourable records with grants of money were given. As regards the second supplementary question, I will have inquiries made, and have it carefully considered.
§ Viscount CURZONAre posthumous awards made to the relatives and dependants of those who have been killed on duty?
§ Mr. HENRYYes; not merely awards, but there is power under the Constabulary Acts to give pensions to the widows and gratuities to the children, and those in a number of cases have been given.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhy not award War medals with clasps for actions?