§ 27. Mr. G. BALFOURasked the Prime Minister whether the Government is prepared to make any announcement relative to the settlement of decrees for damages arising out of the rebellion in Ireland, and particularly in respect of those decrees which relate to damage committed by the armed forces of the Crown?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have been asked to answer this question. As regards personal injury, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on this subject made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. As regards damage to property, as was stated in the course of the Debate yesterday, a full statement on this subject will be made, if possible, to-morrow by the Colonial Secretary.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNWill the right hon. Baronet, before he makes his statement as to damage by the armed forces of the Crown, publish the Strickland Report?
§ Mr. G. BALFOURIs the right hon. Baronet aware that unless some advance is made against the claim in this case it is only a matter of days at most, possibly hours, before this industry closes down, and is he further aware that 5,000 farmers are dependent on this industry for the absorption of their products, and can he do something to facilitate an advance?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSWill it not still further prejudice the prospects of a settlement in Ireland if widespread unemployment is caused by failure to pay compensation which everyone admits is only a matter of justice?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI agree, therefore I hope it will be possible for a statement to be made to-morrow dealing with the whole question.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe statement will be made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.