HC Deb 09 March 1922 vol 151 cc1459-60
9. Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that pensions payable to many disbanded constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary are not being paid; and, if so, whether he can say when the payment of these pensions will commence, in view of the fact that many of the men are out of work?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The preliminary arrangements are now well advanced, and I hope it will be possible to commence payment of pensions for February very shortly. I should like to add that these men at the time of dispersal were granted an advance of £10, representing, in most cases, over two months' pension.

Sir JAMES REMNANT

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer apply to all the men of the Royal Irish Constabulary who have been disbanded on refusing to serve under the Irish Free State, and is any option given to the men who have been disbanded to accept, in lieu of pension, a compassionate grant?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The pensions to which I refer are pensions given to the British recruits of the Royal Irish Constabulary who have been disbanded. The question of the commutation of these pensions, or some portion of them, is now under consideration.

Sir J. REMNANT

My question had reference to the original Royal Irish Constabulary who have been disbanded. Are they entitled—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Baronet is now raising another point, and should put that question down.

Sir J. REMNANT

Seeing that the question says nothing about men who were recruited in England, is not my question in order? Would not reference to the Royal Irish Constabulary usually be assumed to mean the Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland have not yet been disbanded. The question refers, as I understood it, and my answer certainly refers, to the disbanded members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, who are the British recruits of that force.

Sir J. REMNANT

I want to ask another question—

Mr. SPEAKER

That is the reason why I suggested that the hon. Baronet was raising a second point, and had better put the question down.