§ 15. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that none of the awards for malicious injuries to property, in defended cases, which the Provisional Government have promised to pay, have yet been paid; that the persons to whom these awards have been made are in sore straits for money; and that many of these persons who have landed estates are unable to get their rents paid and have mortgage interest and other charges to pay; and what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the latter part, I am aware that in some cases persons holding decrees are in great need of money, and I have already informed the House that in cases of real hardship my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be prepared to make advances from Imperial funds on the security of such decrees. Applications for advances in cases of hardship should be addressed to the Irish Office.
17. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when Lord Shaw's Commission for dealing with claims of persons in Southern Ireland will resume its sittings; and whether it is the intention of the Government to make no arrangements, except with the previous sanction of Parliament, for the payment of sums to be used for the settlement of such claims otherwise than through the Commission?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn reply to the first part of the question, I do not know when 1240 the next sitting of the Commission will be held, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Secretary of the Commission for information on this point; but, as I have on several occasions recently stated in reply to questions, there is no foundation for the suggestion that the sittings of the Commission have been suspended owing to Lord Shaw's absence in the United States. In reply to the second part of the question, the hon. and gallant Member is mistaken in thinking that any payment will be or is intended to be made through the Commission. It is for the Provisional Government, in the first instance, to pay all awards made by the Commission; and as I have recently explained to the House, arrangements have been made whereby in cases of hardship advances on such awards will be made from Imperial funds.
Captain BENNHave the two Reports of the Commission been received, and, if so, will they be laid before Parliament? The right hon. Gentleman must know. It is a simple question.