HC Deb 10 April 1922 vol 153 cc25-6
98. Viscount CURZON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many ex-Royal Irish Constabulary have been disbanded; how many have left for their homes; how many wish to come to this country; how many have been murdered; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take in the matter?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)

The number of men who have been disbanded from the regular Royal Irish Constabulary to date is 2,332. It i6 impossible to say how many have returned to their homes in Ireland. Large numbers applied for and obtained travelling warrants to their homes, but it is known that many of them have been deterred by the recent murders from carrying out their intention. 244 men are known to have come to Great Britain and 2,055 more have expressed their intention of going. Four men have been murdered, and one is missing. These figures are exclusive of I men recruited in Great Britain, numbering about 4,400, all of whom have already been disbanded, with the exception of about 100 men of the Transport Division, and another 113 men stationed in Northern Ireland, who will either be disbanded or absorbed in the new Ulster Constabulary. Every encouragement and assistance is given to members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who are disbanded to proceed to places of safety in Ireland or Great Britain.

Viscount CURZON

Is the disbandment of the remaining members of the Royal Irish Constabulary proceeding, or is it definitely stopped?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

It is proceeding.

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