§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE(by Private Notice)asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that motor drivers and mechanics of the Royal Irish Constabulary are now being dismissed without receiving their one month's notice of dismissal which was promised to them in Orders, and that they are not given any passage money or warrants to their homes in England; whether he is also aware that, owing to the feeling against the Royal Irish Constabulary amongst certain trade unions, it is very often difficult for these men to find re-employment as mechanics, and whether he can see his way to giving the House an assurance that they will receive a gratuity on disbandment and passage money to their homes?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODNo, Sir. It is not a fact that any temporary members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are being discharged otherwise than in accordance with their contract. The men who are 130 now leaving are those who have completed their engagement, and such men are being paid passage money. I am not prepared, without the clearest evidence, to accept the suggestion that such men will be penalised by their fellows or employers on returning to civil employment. In my opinion, they are entitled to special consideration, and if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case that he desires to bring to my notice, I can assure him I will readily take it up.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER - SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men are being dismissed at this moment—I have had telegrams to-day—being dismissed without any notice at all, and are being told to find their way back to their homes in England. Surely that is a very great hardship in view of the great service done in the War?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIf the facts are as stated, it is an intolerable hardship, and I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bring any case of the kind to my notice.
§ Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity before this Debate is over, in view of the pledges given by His Majesty's Government both to the permanent and temporary members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, of making a statement as to how he proposes to safeguard their interests in the present and future?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODLet me say that every pledge made by the Government with regard to these gallant men will be carried out.
§ Earl WINTERTONBut will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity—either himself or some other Minister in this Debate—of stating how they propose to carry these things out in detail?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODYes, Sir.