§ 38. Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on 31st January, 1922, a Ford motor car, belonging to Mr. J. Betts Horrell, late district inspector, Royal Irish Constabulary, was taken by armed men from a garage in Sligo at which the car had been 448 left by Mr. Horrell for certain repairs; that it was necessary under the Regulations for Mr. Horrell to be possessed of a serviceable motor car; that Mr. Horrell lodged a claim for compensation on 16th March last, and that, in spite of numerous letters asking that the matter might he dealt with, nothing has yet been done beyond a statement being sent him that the question was under consideration; and whether he will take steps to have this claim heard and disposed of by the proper authority at the earliest possible moment?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am advised that, as this was a case of larceny, no claim would lie under the Criminal Injury Acts. The possibility of making an ex gratiâ grant by way of compensation is now under consideration.
§ Captain CRAIGHas not sufficient time elapsed for the Government to have come to a decision on the matter, seeing that the car was stolen in January last?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe law governing this is the same in Ireland as in England. The question of granting public money in special cases in Ireland is a matter for serious consideration, but it is being sympathetically considered.
§ Captain CRAIGSeeing that this motor car was in effect part of this officer's equipment, is he not entitled to compensation just as he would have been had he had any other part of his equipment taken from him in a fight or ambush or anything of that sort?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI cannot accept the facts as stated by my hon. and gallant. Friend. I understand that the officer was disbanded when his car was stolen from the garage.
§ Captain CRAIGIt was before the disbandment.