HC Deb 06 February 1908 vol 183 cc1100-1
MR. J. MACVEAGH

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the total amount claimed as compensation for malicious injuries in the city of Belfast during the last twelve months.

MR. BIRRELL

The total amount claimed as compensation for malicious injuries in Belfast during the twelve months ending 31st January, 1908, was £31,999. The amount awarded was £965. Many of the claims were dropped.

MR. GEORGE CLARK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the damage was done by an organised Nationalist mob?

MR. BIRRELL

No, Sir.

MR. J. DEVLIN (Belfast, W.)

Is it not the fact that most of the mischief was caused by the inflammatory speeches of the hon. Gentleman?

MR. BIRRELL

I should doubt whether such terrible consequences followed.

MR. MOORE (Armagh, N.)

asked the Chief Secretary why, in face of the amount of these claims, the Government had decided not to proceed further with the prosecution of the originator, Mr. Larkin?

MR. BIRRELL

said he was more struck with the disparity between the amount of the claims and the amount awarded.

MR. J. MACVEAGH

Are we to understand that the loyalists of Belfast endeavoured to defraud the ratepayers out of £30,000 by means of bogus claims?

[No Answer was returned.]