HC Deb 04 May 1922 vol 153 cc1523-4
48. Sir JOHN BUTCHER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that many decrees for compensation for malicious injuries against local authorities in Ireland to which defences were entered by the local authorities concerned still remain unpaid; whether he has made any representations to the Government of Southern Ireland with regard to these defended cases; and how soon it is anticipated that the moneys awarded by these decrees will be paid?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I believe that the number of cases arising between the period 21st January, 1919, and 11th July, 1921, in which defences were entered by the council of the county or county borough concerned, is very small. If the hon. and learned Member will give me details of any such cases within his knowledge, I will inquire into them and communicate with him further. In reference to the remainder of the question, His Majesty's Government is in constant communication with the Provisional Government in this matter. No money can be paid until the Commission decides the amounts.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Where the cases have been defended they do not come before any other tribunal, and the money ought to be paid at once. In view of that, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the compensation money is to be paid?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I have answered the hon. and learned Gentleman fully.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Does the right hon Gentleman realise that in the defended cases there is to be no further trial, and that the money ought to be paid at once?

Mr. RONALD McNEILL

Was the question of my hon. and learned Friend not directed to those cases which have been defended, and was not my right hon. Friend's answer that such cases were few? When will the money be paid in those few cases?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I answered the question, and will do so again. I understand that no money can be paid until the Commission decides the amount. In defended cases the amounts will be accepted, but the Commission must decide whether they have been properly defended before giving an order to pay the amounts.

Mr. McNEILL

Did the Colonial Secretary not say on a former occasion that those cases would not go before the Commission at all?