§ Sir M. DOCKRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that eight first-class district-inspectors have been required by the Inspector-General, Royal Irish Constabulary, to send in their resignations solely because they have attained the age of sixty years, but without any suggestion that they are unfit for their duties; whether he is aware that these officers, although not yet entitled to their maximum retiring allowance, have instituted proceedings against the Attorney-General to test the legality of the Inspector-General's action but, not withstanding these proceedings which are now pending, a notice was sent to some of them stating that they would be discharged as from 1st June; and whether he will, under the circumstances, arrange that these officers will not be removed until a date subsequent to a legal decision in the matter?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThis matter has been carefully considered by the Irish Government, and it is regretted that the arrangements which have been made for the retirement of these district-inspectors cannot be modified.