HC Deb 22 June 1922 vol 155 cc1482-3
69. Captain FOXCROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a Provisional Government Order, dated 31st April, 1922, addressed to all Dail court officials and providing that injunctions restraining proceedings in ex-enemy courts, i.e., His Majesty's High Court, will not in future be issued except on the authority of the full Supreme Court of Dail Eireann, i.e., republican court; whether the judges of these Dail courts are paid by the Provisional Government; and whether, in view of the Order referred to, the Provisional Government takes responsibility for these republican courts?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am informed that no such order has been issued by the Provisional Government. The judges and officials of the so-called republican courts are not paid or controlled by them, but form part of the Dail Eireann organisation which existed before the Treaty. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave him on Wednesday of last week.

Captain FOXCROFT

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that there is such an Order, a copy of which I have in my hand, and which, if he will allow me, I will hand on to him?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am informed that it has not been issued by the Provisional Government, and I shall be glad to have any information which contradicts that statement.

Captain FOXCROFT

It was handed by an official of the Provisional Government to the Gentleman who gave it to me.

Mr. CHURCHILL

I hope I shall be given the name of the official.