47. Major BARNESasked the Prime Minister if he will say what are the terms of service and rates of pay under which the force in Ireland popularly known as the Black and Tans is recruited?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe men described as Black and Tans are not a separate force, but are recruits to the permanent establishment of the Royal Irish Constabulary. The large majority are ex-service men recruited in Great Britain. Their terms of service and rates of pay as members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are similar to those of the police forces of Great Britain, and are based on the recommendations of the Desborough Committee.
§ 54. Sir M. DOCKRELLasked the Prime Minister whether members of the Royal Irish Constabulary discharged through ill-health with under 25 years' service since 1st April, 1919, have not yet had their pensions increased under Section 4 of the Police Act, 1919; and, if so, whether any explanation can be given for the delay in dealing with the pensions of men who have lost their health in the discharge of police duty in Ireland and are now finding it difficult to exist upon their former pensions?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe revised pensions of men who have been pensioned on the ground of ill-health after completion of not less than 15 years' service are in course of payment. The cases of men with less than 15 years' service are now being considered. Men who have been incapacitated by wounds or injuries arising out of the present disturbed state of the country are being retained on full pay for an extended period, and the amount awarded to them under the Criminal Injuries Act is being paid to them without delay.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great distress in Ireland owing to the delay in the paying of the increased pensions of 1333 these pensioners, and will he do all in his power to accelerate it?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am doing so.