§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state what reason the Treasury assigns for its refusal to grant members of the Royal Irish Constabulary Force in Ireland who wish to join the Army half-pay during the period of the War; and whether such enlistment would reduce the expenditure of public money instead of increasing it, inasmuch as the places of those who wish to join need not be filled up owing to the absence of any crime in Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn dealing with members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who join the Army the Treasury are unable to go beyond the financial terms prescribed by the Irish Police (Naval and Military Service) Act, 1915. A revision of these terms on the lines understood to be suggested by the hon. Member would involve a considerable additional expenditure of public money.