HC Deb 30 April 1909 vol 4 cc707-8W
Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is any diary or official record showing of what the 27 turns of horseback duty said to have been performed by District-Inspector Rogers since his appointment to Enniscorthy consisted; and, if not, what means the Inspector-General possesses of verifying the officer's statement; what were the three stations inspected by Mr. Rogers on horseback; on what dates were the inspections made; of what does a turn consist, as intended by the code; and whether he will cause a statement to be furnished showing clearly and in detail the 27 turns referred to, with dates?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary informs me that a journal of personal duties is kept by each district inspector. District-Inspector Rogers does not appear to have entered in his journal particulars of all the 27 turns of horseback duty performed by him since his appointment to Enniscorthy. He is at present on the sick list, but on his return to duty he will be required to furnish these particulars. The three stations inspected by him on horseback were Killanne, Oylgate, and Clon-roche, inspected on 9th, 15th, and 18th June respectively. A turn of horseback duty consists of inspection, or any other suitable duty.

Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Chief Secretary how long District Inspector Rogers has been in charge of Enniscorthy; whether he is aware that this officer has had no horse or man-servant in the town since August last; whether Mr. Rogers has drawn forage allowance and allowance for a man-servant during this time; if so, whether the certificate that was signed by the officer in conformity with the requirements of the Exchequer and Audit Department was false; whether it is proposed to hold a sworn inquiry into the whole matter; and, if not, what steps the Government propose to take?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary, informs me that District-Inspector Rogers has been in charge of Enniscorthy district since April, 1908. He has had no horse at his station since August last, having sent his horse, with his man-servant in charge, to Kildare at the end of July. He states that he has since had the services of a man-servant at Enniscorthy, and has obtained a horse locally when necessary. He has continued to draw forage allowance and allowance for a man-servant. The certificate which he signed was to the effect that he was in possession of a horse which complied with the prescribed conditions. This though literally true was misleading. The Inspector-General has reprimanded him, and directed him to refund the forage allowance. The case having thus been dealt with no further inquiry appears to be necessary.