§ 58. Mr. O'GRADYasked the Prime Minister whether there is any intention to widen the terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry dealing with the claims of property owners arising out of the recent trouble in Ireland to embrace claims that may be submitted by trade unions by reason of unemployment, death, and loss of workmen's industrial tools; and, if so, whether accredited representatives of workmen will be placed upon the Committee of Inquiry?
§ 113. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary whether he will see that the scope of the inquiry about to be held in Dublin to deal with the property owners' claims shall be so widened as to embrace the claims for losses sustained by the trade union organisations and workers generally of Ireland?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)Claims preferred by trade union organisations and workers may in like manner to other claims be entertained by Sir William Goulding's Committee provided they fall within the terms of reference, but it is not in contemplation to make any extension of these terms or to alter the constitution of the Committee.
§ Mr. O'GRADYMay I ask whether the points in the question are included in the terms of reference or not?
§ Mr. SAMUELSo far as premises and the contents of premises are concerned, they are included in the terms of reference. That, I think, includes most things, such as tools, but the answer must depend upon the circumstances of the case.
§ Mr. O'GRADYWill the trade unions and the friendly societies be reimbursed for the large amount of death claims which they have had to pay out with respect to people killed, and also for the claims they have had to pay with regard to unemployed benefit?
§ Mr. SAMUELIt has not been found possible to give consequential damages in any case.
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the right hon. Gentleman index the terms of reference so as to include compensation to be paid for loss of life?
§ Mr. SAMUELThat is the question which I answered originally.