HC Deb 08 May 1922 vol 153 cc1774-6
85. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary whether, to assist persons who have claims awarded in respect of property against the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State, he will advise the Treasury that the amount of such claims, up to one-half, should on application be immediately advanced at bank rate, or other reasonable percentage, pending the final financial settlement between the two countries?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the statement in regard to the Compensation Commission which my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House proposes to make at the end of questions.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the House be allowed to discuss that?

Colonel NEWMAN

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to give the House the names of the Commissioners appointed to examine into the awards under the Criminal and Malicious Injuries (Ireland) Act?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will answer this question together with Question 85, addressed to the Chief Secretary. I am glad to be able to inform the House that the composition of this Commission has now been settled in agreement with the Irish Provisional Government. Lord Shaw of Dunfermline has been good enough to undertake the responsible and onerous duties of Chairman. The House will agree that it is most fortunate that the services of a Chairman of such high judicial eminence and experience have been secured. With him will be associated Mr. James C. Dowdall, the nominee of the Irish Provisional Government, who is a member of the Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping, was formerly a member of the Cork Harbour Board, and who served on the Commission of Inquiry into the Industrial Resources of Ireland. The third member will be Mr. C. J. Howell Thomas, Deputy Chief Valuer to the Board of Inland Revenue. I will lay the terms of reference as a Command Paper.

With reference to my hon. and gallant Friend's question 85 on the Paper, His Majesty's Government would not feel justified, at a moment when the Commission for dealing with such claims has been appointed, in taking any action which might anticipate the decisions of that Commission. The Commission, it may be mentioned, will have full power to make interim recommendations to suit cases of emergency.

Captain W. BENN

Will the claimants before this Court have the advantage of putting forward their claims, as suggested by the Strickland Report?

Mr. DEVLIN

May I ask whether a similar Commission will be set up to deal with the claims made in Ulster?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think that question was answered last week.

Mr. DEVLIN

No it was not, and I must ask for an answer.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down on the Paper.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the House have any opportunity of discussing the terms of reference, if it desires?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think I can find any special time; for such a discussion. It is really time that we made some progress with the Budget and other Government business.

Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

Has the Provisional Government been approached with a view to giving security and protection to the persons and lives of witnesses giving evidence before the Commission.

Mr. SPEAKER

That question had better be put on the Paper.