HC Deb 09 February 1922 vol 150 cc270-1
7. Colonel Sir C. YATE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction expressed in the Press at the terms under which the ex-officer cadets in the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been disbanded; mobilised; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

48. Captain Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister whether the members of the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary are being de-whether the disbandment entailed the breaking of contracts; whether he is aware that many of the auxiliaries are actually without any means whatever and urgently in need of assistance; and if he can now say what is proposed to be done for them?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)

The terms of disbandment for the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary provide that those members who have contracts extending beyond 31st March next will be paid at the contract rate up to the end of the contract. Those whose contracts expire before 31st March, or are already expired, will be paid at the contract rate up to 31st March. Every cadet has received an advance of £30 on demobilisation. The effect of these terms is that no cadet will receive lest than £70, of which £30 is paid on demobilisation and the rest when it becomes due, while those whose contracts extend beyond 31st March will receive amounts additional to this £70 varying from £ to £250. The total sum payable under these terms is £210,000, and the average sum per cadet is £140.

Sir C. YATE

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiry made into this matter, because it seems there is general complaint that the men who have done least service get most?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The whole question was carefully inquired into and I do not think there is any ground for general complaint. If there is a particular complaint, the auxiliary cadet will know that all he has to do is to submit it to the proper quarter.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are these cadets finally demobilised now? Are they disbanded altogether?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

They have been demobilised. Only a few small details are left in Ireland now.

Sir C. YATE

Why are these men left in Ireland? What necessity is there for keeping them?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not really arise on this question. The hon. and gallant Gentleman can ask it again on number 8. [See col. 276.]

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