§ 10. Major EDMONDSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any Department or organisation operating under official auspices is providing assistance for distressed Irish loyalists now in this country who have lost their entire livelihood and possessions through recent events in Southern Ireland; and whether, in that case, he will state exactly what the bodies are and the principles upon which they operate, since there is very great distress among this deserving class, who are now finding themselves completely unable to carry on?
§ 24. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies
§ than that they desire to retire in view of the change in conditions of service occasioned by the Act of 1919.
Mr. SIMPSONIs any difficulty found in filling up vacancies in various establishments in India at the present time?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat is a question of a general character rather difficult to answer. There is no difficulty at all in some cases; there is difficulty in others. I shall be in a position later to make a more definite statement on that subject.
§ Following is the statement promised:
§ whether the Irish Grants Committee have power to make advances to Southern Irish refugees who have not obtained decrees or awards in respect of the malicious injuries which they have sustained?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)I have been asked to reply. The constitution and terms of reference of the Irish Grants Committee, of which I am Chairman, are set forth in Part III of the White Paper recently presented to Parliament [Cmd. 1844.] The Committee has power to make advances not only in cases where decrees or awards have been obtained, but also in all cases where there is a primâ facie valid claim for compensation in respect of malicious injuries. It also has power to grant tem- 1883 porary relief to refugees in this country who have no such claims. I believe its powers are sufficient to enable the Committee to prevent or remove acute financial distress in all such cases, and I shall be grateful if hon. Members of this House will co-operate with me in ensuring that no case of distress escapes the attention of the Committee.