§ Mr. PATRICK MEEHANasked how many Royal Irish Contabulary district stations are now without a district inspector; if it is intended to fill the existing vacancies; and if he will say whether any Royal Irish Constabulary district inspectors' stations in Queen's County will be closed and amalgamated with other districts?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe answer to the first part of the question is twenty-eight, exclusive of five vacancies in the reserve and depot. So long as the policing of the various districts under present arrangements can be carried on efficiently, it is not intended to fill the existing vacancies during the continuance of the War. It is not at present proposed to close any district inspectors' stations in Queen's County and amalgamate them with other districts.
§ Mr. PATRICK MEEHANalso asked the Chief Secretary how many Royal Irish Constabulary district inspectors have volunteered for service with the Colours, and how many have been accepted; if he will state why the applications of district inspectors who were eligible in every respect were rejected; whether the Inspector-General has the right to veto the application of any Royal Irish Constabulary officer who wishes to join the Colours; and if there has been dissatisfaction experienced and complaints made as to the manner in which this veto has been exercised?
§ Mr. BIRRELLForty-seven district inspectors of the Royal Irish Constabulary have volunteered, and of these 32 have been permitted by the Government to join the Army. In the case of the remaining 15 officers, of whom 11 were more than 40 years of age, it was considered that no more district inspectors could be spared. The Inspector-General has in no case vetoed the application of any Royal Irish Constabulary officer to join the Army, but 55W has in each instance referred the matter for the decision of the Government. I am not aware of any dissatisfaction or complaints as to the manner in which these applications have been dealt with.