asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a decision has been arrived at as to the payment of 12½ per cent., in accord ance with the Pensions Order, 1920, on the pay of men whose service in the Royal Irish Constabulary was extended in the interests of the public service beyond the age limit of retirement; and whether he will state to whom application should be made for such payment?

The hon. Baronet refers, I think, to extensions under Section 8 of the Pensions Order of 1022. No members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who had either reached the age limit or were entitled to retire owing to length of service were retained in the force in the interests of the public service after the date on which that Order became operative.