HC Deb 17 February 1921 vol 138 cc243-4
9. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a report from His Honour Judge Bodkin on the burning of property by the Crown Forces in the county of Clare; whether awards have been given in 139 cases of arson by Crown Forces, totalling over £180,000; and who is going to pay this money?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I have received the report to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. The money is payable by the ratepayers of the localities affected. The report in question goes far outside the functions of the learned Judge, and is largely based on ex-parte statements.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. Is it in order for a Minister to criticise a learned Judge?

Mr. SPEAKER

I understand this is the case of a County Court Judge, not a Judge of the High Court, and it does not therefore come within the Rules.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Are we to understand that this money is to be paid, although it is proved that the Forces of the Crown destroyed the property? Are the ratepayers of the district to pay the money?

Mr. WATERSON

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies to that, may I ask if he is aware that the failure definitely to guarantee the payment of compensation by ths Exchequer is causing, to some extent, unemployment in this country, because the Association of Traders feel so shaken under present conditions?

Mr. LYNN

Is Judge Bodkin the gentleman who was editor of "United Ireland," a paper frequently suppressed for sedition?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

In reply to the last question, I understand that in his pre-judicial days Mr. Bodkin was editor of that paper.

Mr. J. JONES

He was appointed to his present post by a Liberal Government, which you supported.

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The reply to the other supplementary questions is that the money is payable by the ratepayers of the localities affected under the Criminal Injuries Act, passed by this House.

Major M. WOOD

Is it not the case that the Crown are represented at these inquiries? In what sense was the statement ex parte

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The Crown has no status at any of these inquiries, which are held before the County Court Judge, under the Criminal Injuries Act, to assess damages.

Mr. WATERSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider it very unfair for the local ratepayers to pay the compensation due to them out of their own money in order to rebuild organisations damaged by the Armed Forces of the Crown?

Mr. RAWLINSON

At whose expense was this Report of Judge Bodkin circulated to Members of this House? Is it part of the duty of a County Court Judge to circularise Members of Parliament on matters outside his jurisdiction?

Sir D. MACLEAN

Do I understand my right hon. Friend to say that the conduct of the proceedings which form the subject of this Report of the learned County Court Judge compares unfavourably with the impartial proceedings of the military officers, in whom the right hon. Gentleman reposes so much confidence?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I must decline to draw any such comparison between the County Court Judge and the military officers. The County Court Judge's functions are one thing, and the functions of the military officers another.