§ Mr. SAMUEL YOUNGasked the Chief Secretary whether the police force in Ireland has been reduced during the last twelve months; and, if not, can he say why, since the country is unusually crimeless?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere has been no reduction in the force during the past twelve months. Owing to the heavy duties which devolved on the Royal Irish Constabulary last autumn in connection with labour strikes, and for other reasons, it was not possible to reduce the strength of the force during the past year.