§ 23. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now give particulars as to the total amount of defended decrees for malicious damage in Southern Ireland between January, 1919, and July, 1921, which have been paid; and what amount remains outstanding?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI regret that I am not yet in a position to give the particulars asked for in my hon. Friend's question. I hope, however, to have them by Thursday next, and perhaps my hon. Friend would be so good as to put down his question again for that day.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my hon. Friend not aware that it has been stated in this House and to the claimants themselves, again and again, that in the case of defended decrees, these were to be paid months and months ago? Surely the British Government ought to take some action to secure that these unfortunate people are paid, when there is no difference of opinion on the matter?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have not received particulars as to how many of these defended decrees have not yet been paid, but I believe the vast majority have been paid. I have asked for those particulars by word of mouth of Mr. Cosgrave himself.
§ Mr. J. JONESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in Northern Ireland men have lost years of wages, have had their houses destroyed, and have not received a penny of compensation?
§ Sir MALCOLM MACNAGHTENQuite untrue!