HC Deb 02 December 1920 vol 135 cc1421-3
58. Major HAMILTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of soldiers, Royal Irish Constabulary, and other servants of the Crown, killed in Ireland during the pre- sent disturbances, the exemptions and abatements of Death Duties will be allowed on the scale laid down in the Death Duties (Killed in War) Act, 1914, and the Finance Act, 1918?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The statutory provisions to which the hon. and gallant Member refers would apply in the case of soldiers killed in Ireland during the present disturbances. There is no similar provision applicable in the case of the Royal Irish Constabulary and civilian servants of the Crown.

Major HAMILTON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Department has given a ruling that this Act does not apply to officers killed in Ireland during the present disturbances, and will he have that put right; and will he consider the advisability of introducing legislation, which would go through without any opposition, to make this applicable to the Royal Irish Constabulary as well?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not aware of the fact stated by the hon. Member, which seems to be directly contradictory to the answer which I have given. I will make inquiries, and if my hon. Friend can help me in making the inquiries by identifying the case I shall be obliged.

Major HAMILTON

And as to the Royal Irish Constabulary?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The Royal Irish Constabulary for this purpose are civilians. I think it would be the general view of the House that we ought to do everything we can in these cases to alleviate the suffering of the men and their families. I shall be glad to confer with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland as to whether any further measures are necessary. The position in regard to them and the soldiers is not exactly the same.

Mr. MOLES

When this conference takes place will the right hon. Gentleman see that the privilege presently enjoyed by relatives of deceased officers of the Army will be conferred similarly on relatives of deceased officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary, seeing that more of them are being killed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is the question I have just answered.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no claim for payment of this duty is made until the question is decided by his Department?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will see that until a decision has been arrived at no claims for those duties are made.

Major HAMILTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to put a question down for a week's time as to the decision?

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that consideration is given to the similar cases of district inspectors and others who have lost their lives in the service of their country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is the same question put to me three times.