§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Chief Secretary whether constables who retired in August, 1916, as being unfit for service owing to injuries received on duty have 1716W been refused the increase of pay as from 31st March, 1916, authorised by Section 1 (2) and Section (4) of the Constabulary and Police (Ireland) Act, 1916, such refusal being based on the ground that they were not constables on 22nd December, 1916, the day of the passing of that Act; and whether he will reconsider that decision and, if necessary, take the opinion of the Law Officers on the point?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, I have adopted the hon. and learned Baronet's suggestion and am informed that Section 1 (2) of the Act of 1916 applies only to persons who were constables on the 29th December, 1916.
§ Mr. HALLSasked the Chief Secretary how many members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have accepted positions under the Provisional Government; and how many have expressed a desire to come to this country?
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Chief Secretary what was the total number of officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary when acting under his Department in Southern Ireland; how many decided to continue to act under the Provisional Government for Southern Ireland; how many of those not so acting have decided to remain in Ireland; and how many desire to leave Ireland and come to this country or go to other countries?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe total number of officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Southern Ireland prior to the commencement of disbandment was approximately 10,000. So far as I am aware, no disbanded member of the force has been offered or has accepted employment under the Provisional Government. Of the 8,000 men who have already been disbanded, at least 5,200 are known to have left Ireland, but of this number about 3,200 represent men who were enlisted in Great Britain and about 300 men who have since joined the Palestine Gendarmerie.