HC Deb 25 October 1920 vol 133 cc1330-2
46. Major BARNES

asked the Prime Minister if the Government will consider claims for compensation for the destruction of property in Ireland by servants of the Crown?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The liability to pay compensation for malicious injuries is laid by law upon the local authority irrespective of the agency by which the injuries are inflicted, and the Government cannot at the present time undertake to relieve local authorities of any part of their liability. The Government are prepared to consider on its merits any hard case of an innocent sufferer with a view to meeting it so far as funds available allow, by exercise of the powers contained in the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act and Regulations made thereunder with respect to local authorities which for any reason refuse to perform their duties.

Major BARNES

Will the right hon. Gentleman say in what way the people who are suffering can collect the compensation from the local authorities?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

If the local authorities fail to carry out the law they cannot collect it from the local authorities.

Major M. WOOD

Are we to understand that the local authorities are to make good damage caused by soldiers?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

In all the cases brought to my notice, yes; because the soldiers have made the damage in acts of legitimate self-defence.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say if the parties are unable to collect the compensation who will ultimately pay the compensation?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

As far as innocent persons are concerned I answered it in my reply.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that the case of Balbriggan was one of legitimate self-defence, and does the Crown refuse to pay anything in that case and expect the local authority of Balbriggan to do so? [HON. MEMBERS: "Sit down!"]

Sir H. GREENWOOD

In reference to that case the county court judge has not yet assessed the damage, and when he does I will consider that case.

Lieut. - Commander KEN WORTHY

Was that a case of legitimate self-defence? [HON. MEMBERS: "Sit down!"]