§ 20. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the public announcement that MacInerney's fish stores in Limerick have had to be closed up and the business brought to an end, in consequence of the banishment of Mr. James MacInerney from Ireland on political grounds without charge or trial; whether he is aware of the public inconvenience thus caused at a time of food scarcity; if it be not the policy of the Government to destroy the business of individuals on political 1804 grounds or on the secret information of competitors, whether Mr. Maclnerney will be given the advantage of a trial; and how, and to what extent, the Government intend to compensate him for the loss of his business?
§ Mr. DUKEI have not seen any such announcement as that mentioned in the question. I am informed, in answer to inquiries I have made, that the fish store in question has recently been carried on by a brother and sister of James Maclnerney, and that it was closed ten days ago. No question of compensation arises in respect of the deportation of James Maclnerney under the Defence of the Realm Regulations which authorised his deportation.
§ Mr. GINNELLIn this case in which the business has been closed up as the result of the deportation of the head of it, will the Chief Secretary make no inquiries as to what could be done afterwards?