51. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the agreement arrived at between the Government of Great Britain and the Government of Northern Ireland with regard to the payment of awards for criminal or malicious injuries; and is he in a position to make any statement with regard to similar claims awarded but not yet paid to those resident in that part of Ireland which has been formed into a free state?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer the hon. Member to previous replies to questions on this subject, in which I have said that I hope to make a full statement on this matter in connection with the Bill of Indemnity.
Colonel NEWMANWill the Indemnity Bill be postponed until we have had an election in Southern Ireland?
Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDIs there any truth in the statement that already arrangements have been made with the Provisional Government that the cost of their own burnings at the Post Office in Dublin is to be refunded by the British Treasury?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere is not the slightest truth in that statement, but 806 arrangements have been made of a general character for the settling up of these matters in the case of the late un-pleasantnesses, which I shall be delighted to explain in full when the Indemnity Bill is introduced. It is very desirable that this Bill should be introduced at the earliest possible moment. I am daily submitting to the Leader of the House this view, and he has to consider it in relation to other business.
§ Captain W. BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman publish the Strickland Report before we consider the Indemnity Bill?