HC Deb 23 May 1922 vol 154 cc981-2
19. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the total number of barracks, the property of the Crown, that under the Irish Free State (Agreement) Act have been handed over to the Southern Ireland Ministry of Defence, together with the number of camps and training grounds such as the Curragh and Kilworth; and has he now been able to form a rough estimate of the value of such buildings and of the acreage and value of the training camps?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No barracks, camps or training grounds have yet been transferred, but as evacuation proceeds a number of properties are being placed in the hands of the Provisional Government for custody pending settlement as to which of them shall be formally taken over, and on what terms.

Colonel NEWMAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the other day the Curragh was taken over, and that Kilworth was taken over months ago, and does he say that these great properties, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, have been handed over without provision for repayment?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I mean exactly what my answer says, that they have been placed in the hands of the Provisional Government for custody, pending settlement as to which of them shall be formally taken over, and on what terms.

Colonel NEWMAN

Supposing there is no settlement arrived at, what is to happen to the camps?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Then my hon. and gallant Friend had better repeat his question.