§ 35. Sir A. FELLasked the Prime Minister whether the heavy loss occasioned by the destruction by fire of the Customs House buildings at Dublin will fall upon the city of Dublin; and if this House may have an assurance from the Government that no British money will be spent in rebuilding it or any other public buildings which may be wilfully destroyed in Ireland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis fine building, which was justly regarded as one of the most precious possessions of the Irish people, has been wantonly destroyed by the deliberate act of the Sinn Fein organisation. There can be no question of making good the damage at the cost of the British Exchequer. Under the law, the loss will fall on the local authorities, but it will, of course, be within the power of the Southern Parliament to make special provision for meeting it in whole or in part. A claim will be presented in due course under the Malicious Injuries Act. The Board of Works estimate the loss at some £2,000,000.
§ Mr. LINDSAYCan the Prime Minister say whether the loss, or part of it, or the contents of the building, were covered by insurance?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERAre there any grants due to the city or county of Dublin from the British Exchequer which could be stopped in order to make good this loss?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI could not answer that question without notice.