HL Deb 25 July 1862 vol 168 c829

THE EARL OF LEITRIM moved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty for, Copy of a Letter addressed to the Secretary of the Grand Jury of the County of Tipperary by Sir Thomas Larcom, Under Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant, dated the 7th of July 1862: And, Copy of a Statement enclosed therein from Sir Henry Brownrigg, Inspector General of Police in Ireland, respecting the Efficiency of the Police in Ireland.

The statement in question, in which it was asserted that the position and powers of the police were the same as they were previous to 1836, was so rash as coming from such an authority, and endorsed by the Secretary of the Lord Lieutenant, that he was astonished they should have expected it to be believed. There had been no less than twelve Acts of Parliament passed since 1836, altering and increasing the powers of the Irish police, which now consisted of no less than 12,000 men, and cost the country £762,000 a year. Of this expenditure part was paid out of the Consolidated Fund, and part out of the county rates; but the Returns which had been presented to the House on the subject he contended were incorrect.

EARL GRANVILLE

said, that the Report moved for by the noble Earl had already been ordered, and the letter of the Under Secretary for Ireland was a private one, which he presumed the noble Earl would not require.

THE MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDE

said, he thought there must be a Parliamentary inquiry into the management and discipline of the police force in Ireland next Session.

Motion (by leave of the House) withdrawn.