§ 26. Mr. GRAYasked the Home Secretary what control His Majesty's Government has over the Special Constabulary in Northern Ireland?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe Royal Ulster Special Constabulary is a body administered under Statute by the Government of Northern Ireland, and any exercise of control by His Majesty's Government would be incompatible with the status conferred upon Northern Ireland by the Government of Ireland Act, 1920.
§ Mr. GRAYIs that not changed by the fact that we pay now out of the National Exchequer for the maintenance of that force?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIt is quite true that where we pay a grant that we have every right of inquiry into any suggestion of extravagance or maladministration. Such inquiry has been made in the past, and if it is suspected that there is extravagance such inquiry will be made in the future.