§ 73. Sir JAMES REMNANTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is responsible for the payment of the pensions of the disbanded members of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether the terms of settlement have been arrived at; and, if so, when they will be communicated to the men concerned, many of whom are out of employment?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)I assume that the hon. and gallant Member's question refers to those members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who were recruited in Great Britain during the last two years, as these are the only members of the regular force who have as yet been disbanded. The Royal Irish Constabulary Office is responsible for the payment of pensions to these men, and a substantial payment in advance has already been made. The terms of disbandment in these cases—namely, the terms laid down in the Ninth Schedule to the Government of Ireland Act, 1920—were settled some time ago, and were communicated to the men on disbandment.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a lot of these men have not been paid pensions which are due to them? Will he see that they are paid at once the pensions which are due to them?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am not aware that any men have not been paid the pensions which are due to them, but I will make inquiry on the point.