§ 46. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been 805 called to the fact that duly elected rate collectors sanctioned by the Local Government Board for Ireland were in many cases during the last two years superseded under duress by members of the Irish Republican Army, and had their collection books seized and taken away, and were thus deprived of their salaries, fees, and emoluments; whether legislative provision will be made that these men shall be fully compensated for the loss they have sustained and shall be superannuated on the same scale as if they were still serving; and whether, if Section 68 of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, in its present form is repealed, similar provisions adapted to the new conditions will be inserted in the legislation consequent on setting up the Irish Free State?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe position of these officers is being discussed with the Provisional Government, who, I have reason to feel confident, will deal with the matter in accordance with the spirit of their declaration of last Saturday.