HC Deb 10 June 1920 vol 130 cc575-6
22. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that at a recent meeting of the Cork County Council the solicitor to the Council stated that claims for compensation for malicious injury for the months of April and May alone, amounting to £206,157, had been presented to the Council; whether this sum would mean a charge on the county at large of 3s. in the £; and, in view of the fact that the majority of the large ratepayers are opponents of the Irish Republican party, is it proposed to make them suffer for the illegal actions of their opponents?

Mr. HENRY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of exemption of any ratepayer from the levy is for the Courts to, determine under the provisions of the Act of 1919

Colonel ASHLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what are the considerations which the Court should take into consideration when a man applies to be exempted? Is it whether he is a loyalist or not?

Mr. HENRY

The County Court Judge, and the Judge of Assize have the widest possible discretion.