§ 35. Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that in many cases the Irish Free State Government has claimed payment of Income Tax on the awards made for damages by the Wood-Renton Commission and that the Tax claimed has been deducted from the sums of money awarded before they have been paid; and if any representations have been made by the British Government to protest against these deductions from the sums awarded to British subjects on account of damage, losses and outrages which have been suffered?
Mr. THOMASI am not aware that Income Tax has been deducted or claimed on the capital sums awarded by the Wood-Renton Commission for damage to property. I understand, however, that Tax has been deducted in respect of the interest allowed by the Commission in their 1751 awards. I also understand it is the practice of the Free State Government when paying these awards to deduct any arrears of Income Tax which may be alleged to be due from the claimant. If the individual affected considers that the amount so charged is not properly due, it is open to him to make representations to the local revenue officials in the usual manner.
§ Colonel GRETTONHave the Government taken any steps to bring the notice of the Free State Government the fact that complaints are being made, and that this is an unjust deduction?
§ Mr. J. JONESWill the victims of the Black and Tans receive similar consideration?
Mr. THOMASI will not say that negotiations are taking place on this matter at the moment, but certainly there are representations.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESWere any deductions made in the case of the deportees?