§ 60. Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state who was responsible for the shooting of Constable 1045 Frith in Dublin during the rising; and if compensation is to be paid to his dependants?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)Constable Frith was shot through the window of his bedroom, at Store Street Barracks, on the 27th April last, and there is nothing to indicate by whom he was shot. The question of a gratuity to his dependants is receiving consideration.
§ Sir E. CARSONWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman be able to make a statement as to compensation or gratuity, as he calls it, before we proceed with the Bill giving compensation to property owners?
§ Mr. DUKEThe matter to which my right hon. and learned Friend refers is under the consideration of the Government, and I hope that the Prime Minister, or some other member of the Cabinet, will be in a position, at an early date, to state the conclusion at which the Government have arrived. He will see that many considerations are involved as regards persons which do not arise in regard to property, and those considerations have to receive attention.
§ Sir E. CARSONDoes not my right hon. and learned Friend think that compensation to the individual or his relatives is just as important as compensation to property owners?
§ Mr. DUKEI am sure my right hon. and learned Friend will find that the point of view he is representing now will receive the sympathetic consideration of His Majesty's Government.
Mr. HEALYAs the right hon. and learned Gentleman says that this man was shot through the window of the barracks, has he seen the letter of the man's brother giving the name, rank, and regiment of the soldier who shot him?
§ Mr. DUKEI have been informed that such a letter was published, but I have not had myself an opportunity of investigating this matter. I hope to have an opportunity at an early date; and if the facts are as suggested by my hon. and learned Friend that will, of course, differentiate the case and entitle the survivors to consideration different from that involved in the decision which has been arrived at.
§ Sir E. CARSONAre there different considerations if a man is shot by a soldier or a rebel?
§ Mr. DUKEI do not intend to convey any suggestion of the kind my right hon. and learned Friend indicates in his question; but the circumstances in which a man is shot, and matters of that kind, must be known before 'you can come to a decision as to whether compensation is proper and as to the degree of compensation.
§ Mr. BYRNEAs the right hon. and learned Gentleman has admitted liability to compensation in this case, will the victims of the North King Street shooting also receive compensation?