§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the present strength in number and rank of the Royal Irish Constabulary; what is the normal strength; is it proposed to make any change in the same; and, if so, from when will it date, and what is the nature of the contemplated change?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe present strength of the Royal Irish Constabulary is 37 town inspectors, 106 district inspectors, 237 head constables, and 10,250 constables. These numbers exceed by five head constables and 750 sergeants and constables the force fixed at the last triennial redistribution in 1906, which may be regarded as the normal strength for the time being. The question of redistributing the force during the present year is now under consideration.