THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I would, by leave of your Lordships, make a very short statement upon a point which I know interests many of your Lordships who have taken part in our discussions on the Irish question. It is understood that the Provisional Government are making payments this week of the amounts hitherto awarded by the Shaw Commission. As was stated by Lord Stuart of Wortley yesterday, the ten cases dealt with already and pronounced upon by the Commission are cases which were selected because it was believed by all the parties that they governed and controlled a large number of other eases. A communication which has been addressed to the Government of this country states that the Provisional Government are making payments this week of the amounts hitherto awarded, and that is, I think, an assurance which, if it be seconded by performance, will give great satisfaction in this House.