HC Deb 29 March 1922 vol 152 cc1331-2
66. Sir M. DOCKRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what approximately was the amount of debt left due in Ireland by the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary; if he is aware that, owing to the tension between that force and the people of some of the Irish towns, the goods supplied for the messes and canteens of the force, as well as goods supplied to individual members, by the traders of Killaloe and other towns were regarded as capable of being commandeered had delivery been refused; and, seeing that the fact mentioned in his letter of the 21st instant that £1,000 toward the partial payment of these debts was supplied from the fines fund of the division proves that responsibility for the obligations of the division was undertaken by the authorities, and seeing that the suggestion made that these Irish traders should seek recovery of the balances of their debts from the scattered members of a disbanded force is an impossible suggestion, will he see that these debts are discharged in full out of Imperial funds?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East (Mr. Hogge) on 2nd March. I have no knowledge of the amount of these private debts, nor can I accept the suggestion contained in the second part of the question.

Sir M. DOCKRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Messrs. Evans, of Limerick, agreed to their debt of £460 with the Government authorities so far back as November last, and, although they have repeatedly applied for payment, it has never been given; and, further, if he does not see his way to meet this from Imperial funds, will he allow this to go before the Commission which is to be set up to deal with losses?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put that on the Paper. The right hon. Gentleman cannot be expected to know about a particular firm.

Sir M. DOCKRELL

The right hon. Gentleman has given me no answer to my question. I wish to know whether the Government intend to deal with this matter or not.

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I have answered the question. I have nothing to add to the answer. I regret that tradesmen are not satisfied with the payment of their accounts, as they accepted the receipts in full payment at the time the payments were made.

Sir M. DOCKRELL

Under duress.

Back to