HC Deb 17 January 1924 vol 169 cc252-3
25. Mr. LINFIELD

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the full amount of compensation granted to the Irish deportees, and the amount of legal expenses incurred, if any, in dealing with this matter?

32. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can inform the House what payments have been made out of public funds up to 10th January, 1924, in connection with the legal proceedings arising out of the deportation of certain persons to Ireland last year; and whether he will state the amount paid in compensation up to date to these persons, the fees paid to the Attorney-General for his arguments in the Divisional Court, in the Appeal Court, and in the House of Lords in the O'Brien case, and the fees paid to the Attorney-General in respect of his appearances before the tribunal presided over by Lord Justice Atkin?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)

The total payments from public funds up to 10th January, 1924, in connection with these proceedings amount to £4,039 9s. 11d., excluding the amounts paid in compensation to the persons deported. The amount paid up to date in compensation amounts to £43,683 12s. The fees paid to the Attorney-General in the Divisional Court, the Appeal Court and in the House of Lords in the O'Brien case amount to £278 14s. 6d. The fees paid to the Attorney-General in respect of his appearances before the tribunal presided over by Lord Justice Atkin amount to £170 18s.

Mr. SHINWELL

Have the Ministry actually agreed to the payment of the fees of the Attorney-General, having regard to the fact that he was legally responsible for the acts of the Home Secretary?

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Has the sanction of Parliament ever been obtained for the payment of this money, which is a new service?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot say. The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Is it proper that the mistakes of a Minister should be made a source of profit to himself?