§ Mr. LYNCHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been 498W called to the fact that, though the extra police force in the county of Clare has been reduced from 56 to 42, yet, on account of increase in salaries, the reduction of the force does not carry any appreciable diminution in the charge to the rates; and whether, considering that the reduced force will cost the county £1,800, or l½d. in the £, he will advise a further reduction of the force, or, preferably, the entire withdrawal of the extra police force?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and as regards the second part I am unable, in view of the number of cases in which special protection has to be given in Clare at present, to advise a further reduction of the extra force there. The matter will, however, be reconsidered by the light of the state of affairs existing in the county in few months' time.