§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the rules under which the Irish Constabulary Force Fund is administered have ever been submitted to or discussed in this House; whether the question of the legality of those rules has been submitted to the Law Officers since the force began generally to assert that the rules override Acts of Parliament; what is the authority for the rule which overrides Section 8 of 29 and 30 Vict., cap. 103; and whether he will give a reference to all the Acts under which this fund is administered and place in the Library a copy of the rules now in force?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThese rules have not been submitted to Parliament. I am not1938W aware of any inconsistency between the rules and the Statutes governing the fund, namely, 6 William IV., cap. 13; 10 and 11. Vic., cap. 100; 29 and 30 Vic., cap. 103; 37 and 38 Vic., cap. 80; and 46 and 47 Vic., cap. 14; but if the hon. Member will indicate any point on which he thinks there is a divergence I will look into the matter and, if necessary, consult the Law Officers. I am considering the question whether the rules can be usefully included in the statement with regard to the fund which I propose to publish when the actuarial inquiry is completed.