HC Deb 10 May 1916 vol 82 cc629-30
54. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Prime Minister if he can yet say how soon a body of men of business experience will be set up to ascertain the extent of damage done to property in Dublin in quelling the recent insurrection and direct the work of restoration and repair; whether a portion of the £340,000,000 excessive taxes extracted from Ireland, according to the findings of the Financial Relations Commission, is to be applied to these purposes; and whether the Irish people will be allowed any voice in the selection of members of the body to be charged with these duties

62. Mr. BRADY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a feeling in Dublin that the Government should compensate the owners of property for the loss and damage sustained in the recent disturbances; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

64. Mr. CLANCY

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take into immediate consideration the question of providing out of public funds compensation for the recent destruction of property in Dublin, in view of the fact that the ratepayers of the city, if liable at all, would be wholly unable to make good the loss, and that the owners of the property destroyed were in no Way to blame for the disaster which has befallen them?

65. Mr. FIELD

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Council of the Chamber of Commerce, Dublin, have passed a resolution asking for compensation in respect of property destroyed in the city during the recent disturbances; and whether he is prepared to state what steps will be taken by the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

This question is engaging the careful attention of the new Under-Secretary (Sir Robert Chalmers), and in due course I will communicate the Government's decision to the House.

Mr. BRADY

Will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enought to receive a deputation of Dublin Members on this subject, as it is very urgent?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, I will.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the suggestion in Question 54 that the sum by which Ireland has been overtaxed, as found by the Financial Relations Commission, will be drawn upon for compensation?