HC Deb 02 May 1922 vol 153 cc1147-9
24. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken to recover possession of the Four Courts, in Dublin, which have been recently seized by armed rebels; whether he can state in whose custody are the books and papers relating to the £5,000,000 trust funds, or there-abouts, now being administered by the Irish Courts; whether these books and papers are the property of the British Government, or of some Department of that Government; and whether it is possible, failing access to these books and papers, to make the usual payments to the numerous persons interested, many of whom are poor, and are solely or mainly dependent on these payments for their maintenance?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The question of the steps to be taken for the recovery of possession of the Four Courts is one for the Provisional Government, and I cannot make any pronouncement on the subject. The documents referred to are the property of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Southern Ireland, for which the British Government's responsibility ceased on the 1st ultimo. I understand that duplicates of some of these documents exist outside the Four Courts, and that, while hardship will undoubtedly be inflicted upon a large number of innocent beneficiaries of the trust funds, it will probably be possible to proceed with many of the payments.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps, by representation to the Provisional Government or otherwise, to prevent the infliction, to which he refers, of gross hardships upon these, innocent persons, who, after all, are British subjects?

Sir HENRY CRAIK

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Provisional Government, which cannot retain possession of its own principal law courts, will be in a position to offer protection to voters at an election?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

With reference to the question of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Scottish Universities (Sir H. Craik), each Member of the House must draw his own conclusions. With reference to the question put by the hon. and learned Member for York (Sir J. Butcher), the Provisional Government is responsible for the administration of law and order in Dublin and Southern Ireland, and it is not possible for His Majesty's Government to intervene otherwise than by way of suggestion in a case like this.

Mr. O'NEILL

Can the right hon. Baronet give any information as to the seizure of money from the banks?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise here.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

Is the Government quite satisfied with the result of its policy?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for debate.