§ MR. D. A. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of his statement to Messrs. Liston and Kenshole on 13th May last in reference to the claim of certain tradesmen for payment in respect of catering for the military brought to Aberdare during the lockout in the coal trade last summer, that it was not equitable that pending the settlement of the question of liability as between the Government and the Glamorgan County Council, the tradesmen concerned should remain altogether without payment, and having regard to his promise on the same (late that in the event of an appeal from the decision of Justices Darling and Channell the Treasury would endeavour to arrange with the county council for an immediate payment to the tradesmen, and such an appeal having been made, he can state what steps have been taken to secure the immediate payment promised.
§ SIR M. HICKS-BEACHIn accordance with my promise, I brought the matter to the notice of the War Office and suggested that they should place themselves in communication with the County Council of Glamorgan, with a view, if possible, of arranging for some payment to be made to the tradesmen concerned, half being paid by the War Office, and half by being county council, temporarily and without prejudice, the ultimate incidence of the charge remaining over for settlement later on. I understand that a communication has been addressed by the War Office to the county council. This would have been done earlier but for the fact that for some weeks past a definite legal decision upon the point has been daily expected.