HC Deb 10 November 1911 vol 30 cc2034-5W
Mr. NANNETTI

asked whether the Royal Irish Constabulary code prohibits members of the force from writing to the Press concerning matters affecting the service; whether its provisions in this connection have recently been relaxed or cancelled; and whether, in view of recent circulars issued by the Inspector-General to the district inspectors directing them to request the police to contribute to a magazine in which he appears to be interested, instructions will be formulated defining within what limits the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary are free to write concerning police affairs to any public print?

Mr. BIRRELL

The provisions of the Constabulary code which prohibit communications with the Press concerning official matters have not been relaxed or cancelled. They do not apply in any way to the contributions which have been made by members of the force to the magazine in question, and no further instructions on the subject are required.

Mr. NANNETTI

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Government has sanctioned the use of official authority, time, and postage in forwarding the circulation and sale of a monthly print entitled the "Royal Irish Constabulary Magazine"; whether circulars concerning this publication have been posted On His Majesty's Service; whether the Inspector-General has been authorised to instruct his officers to use their influence and authority to persuade the constables in their command to subscribe and contribute; and why, if the police desire such a journal, its purchase is not in every respect as voluntary as other papers they may desire to buy; and whether he will state the manner arranged by the Inspector-General for the collection of subscriptions and the rank of persons appointed to collect and forward news?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that the magazine in question is issued with the voluntary co-operation of members of the force of all ranks. No expenditure of official time or postage is or has been incurred in connection with it, nor has pressure been put upon anyone to subscribe. Those who desire to have the magazine are invited to send their subscriptions to the printer.