HC Deb 11 July 1922 vol 156 cc1028-9
34. Sir S. HOARE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there are a large number of refugees from Ireland who, although they have judgments in their favour amounting to thousands of pounds, have had no payment made to them and, as a result, are in a state of grave financial embarrassment: and whether he will set up a Royal Commission, upon which the Dublin and Ulster Governments should be asked to appoint representatives, with the power to make advances or payments on account to these people!

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am aware that a number of those who have been compelled to seek refuge from Ireland in this country have obtained decrees in respect of malicious injury to preperty in Ireland. As the House is aware by arrangement between the two Governments concerned a Commission under the Chairmanship of Lord Shaw has been set up to deal with such decrees, and in these circumstances His Majesty's Government could not see their way to set up a further Commission for the purpose indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend. I am, however, assured by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that in individual cases of exceptional hardship advances can be made from Imperial funds to be repaid out of any sums which may be awarded to the holder of the decree by the Compensation (Ireland) Commission.

Sir S. HOARE

Does that mean that any man with a decree can go to the Irish Office and obtain a payment on account?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No. My promise on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer was not so sweeping as that, but a man who has got a decree from this Commission can apply to the Irish Office in the first instance, and they can consult the: Treasury as to whether he comes within the scope of the undertaking which I have given on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Sir S. HOARE

On what Vote will this come, as grave doubt has been expressed as to whether any money has been voted for this purpose?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot say at the moment whether it will be necessary to have a Supplementary Estimate, but the policy in regard to compensation has been announced clearly to the House. I hope in the first instance that payment will be made by the Government of the Irish Free State, and we should reimburse them, and the process of reimbursement will be part of the general financial settlement to be made between the two countries; but it may not turn out like that, in which case we shall certainly have to consider whether any money due should not be paid in the first instance by us to persons who have suffered for their loyalty to this country.

Sir J. REMNANT

How are they to live in the meantime?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If they have got a decree they should apply to the Irish Office, who will submit their claim to the Treasury which, in eases of exceptional hardship, will make certain advances.

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