HC Deb 09 February 1922 vol 150 cc271-2
10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Chief Secretary how it is proposed that damage committed by Crown forces in the burning of Cork, the sack of Balbriggan, etc., is now to be made good; what is the position of insurance companies with regard to the burning of Cork; and whether the Strickland Report on the burning of Cork will now be published?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

In reply to the first part of this question, I hope that it will be possible to make a full statement on the subject in connection with the Indemnity Bill, which it is proposed to introduce at an early date. The reply to the second part is, that the position of insurance companies mast necessarily depend upon the terms of the contracts into which they have entered. The reply to the third part is in the negative.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Will the Strickland Report be published before the Indemnity Bill is brought in? How can we be expected to pass an Indemnity Bill for acts about which there is still doubt?

54. Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the numerous claims now being formulated in Southern Ireland for damages or compensation for loss and injuries alleged to have been caused by forces of the Crown; whether the awards for such compensation are to be eventually met by the British Treasury; and, if so, what precautions are being taken against fraudulent claims being put forward and to test the evidence by which all such claims are supported?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Churchill)

A full statement on this subject will be made in connection with the Bill of Indemnity which is to be introduced at an early date.

Captain W. BENN

Will the Strickland Report be published before this Bill is introduced in the House?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I must ask for notice of that question.