§ Mr. RAFFANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was the total cost of the Army, Air Force, and Police Forces in Ireland in the years 1917, 1918, 1919, and 1920, respectively?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe following Table shows the total cost of the Police Forces in Ireland in the financial years:
The increased cost of the police in the last-named year was almost entirely due to the increase of pay granted to the Force which took effect from 1st April, 1919. As regards the remainder of the question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War 947W that the cost of the military forces in Ireland in 1920 was approximately £12,500,000 for an average of 44,500 troops; and in 1919 was approximately £15,000,000 for an average of 56,850 troops. Owing to the variations that have taken place in rates of pay and the prices of commodities it is regretted that similar calculations for the years 1917 and 1918 cannot be given without great labour.
1916–17 … … £1,641,765 6 3 1917–18 … … £1,804,787 6 10 1918–19 … … £2,127,092 10 2 1919–20 … … £3,306,117 7 3