§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is intended that every member of the Royal Irish Constabulary shall be disbanded without exception, whether he is serving in Northern or in Southern Ireland, and, if so, on what terms will the men be disbanded, and by what date will the disbandment be complete?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)Yes, Sir; the intention is that every member of the Force, wherever he is serving, shall be disbanded. That disbandment, which has already commenced, will be completed by 31st May. Meanwhile the Force will remain an Imperial Force, and will not be transferred to either of the Irish Governments. The terms upon which disbandment are to take place will be shown in a White Paper, dated 30th March, to be laid on the Table of the House.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman take into special consideration men of over 30 years' service who, I understand, are left out of any special consideration? They were the men who remained in the Force to train recruits during the past few years.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODWhen the terms of disbandment are seen, I am sure that every right hon. and hon. Member will agree that the terms are generous, and better than those which the Act of 1920 contemplated.
§ Mr. D. HERBERTCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to when the White Paper will be issued?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt will be on the Table of the House this week. I hope to-morrow.