HC Deb 03 May 1922 vol 153 cc1337-8
65. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a statement by the leader of the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland that he had been able to allot a substantial sum of money to start the rebuilding of that part of the city of Cork that was recently destroyed; and will he say if this money has been paid by Great Britain in accordance with the arrangement recently arrived at between the Parliament of Great Britain and the Southern Irish Provisional Government?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

Colonel NEWMAN

How has this money been allotted if this case has not been investigated?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I must inform the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the revenues of Southern Ireland now flow into the Exchequer of the Provisional Government, and they can spend this money as they wish.

Colonel NEWMAN

Will not the Provisional Government recover this money from the Exchequer?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

That is a matter of accounts. These different questions are settled by the Tribunal whose personnel, it is hoped, will be announced on Monday.

Sir W. DAVISON

Have the British Government admitted any liability in the matter, as has been stated?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I am not aware of any admission of liability.