HC Deb 06 May 1920 vol 128 cc2207-9
11. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of persons who have lodged claims for compensation for malicious injuries have been compelled by threats of violence to withdraw them; and what action he proposes to take in such cases?

Mr. HENRY

I am aware that claims for compensation have been withdrawn in many cases, but for obvious reasons the claimants will not admit that they were intimidated into withdrawal. If the name of any person guilty of such intimidation is submitted to us, steps will be at once taken.

Mr. RONALD McNEILL

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest any reason for the withdrawal of such claims, except threats of violence?

Mr. HENRY

Having regard to the figures I have already given to my hon. Friend behind me (Mr. Turton), I do not think the withdrawals amount to a great many. The figure I gave was £375,000, claims in respect of private individuals' property.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that these claims will be reinstated when the state of the country is better, and that they will not be ruled out by any technical rule of law?

Mr. MOLES

May I ask whether, in the event of steps being taken and convictions following, any guarantee can be given to this House that upon hunger-striking the persons convicted will not be released?

14. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that local authorities are in many cases refusinug to strike a rate to provide compensation in cases of malicious injury; and what steps the Government are taking to enforce the decrees of the county court judges?

Mr. HENRY

I am aware that in a few instances local authorities have actually refused to include any provision in their estimates to cover malicious injuries. The decrees in these cases are made at the instance of private individuals, and application can be made to the courts to enforce them. The Government are at present considering the adoption of additional remedies.

Colonel ASHLEY

Will the additional remedies include that the Government will make these claims for these wretched private individuals, who very often are very poor and cannot afford the legal expenses themselves?

Mr. HENRY

I will bear that suggestion in mind.

Mr. TURTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Dublin Corporation have refused to levy a rate in respect of these malicious damages?

Mr. HENRY

I believe so.

Mr. TURTON

Is that a small body?