§ 61. Mr. RONALD McNEILLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that an appeal is being made for funds for the relief of distress among persons in Ireland who have suffered, and are suffering, on account of their loyal attachment to the British Crown; and whether, following the precedent of the recent Vote by this House of £5,000 for the relief of distress in Albania, he will introduce a supplementary Estimate for a like sum to be given as a contribution towards relief of distress in Ireland?
The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Thomas)I have been asked to reply. I have been in communication with the Free State Government regarding specific cases of apparent hardship which have been brought to my notice, and I am always willing to give what assistance I can. But I regret that I cannot ask the House to vote a contribution to the private fund referred to by the right hon. Gentleman. I may mention that as far as personal injuries are concerned His Majesty's Government, in accordance with their undertaking under the Treaty, have paid approximately £3,000,000 in compensation to Crown supporters, and that the Irish Grants Committee, besides granting relief to the extent of over £40,000 to refugees from the Irish Free State, have also, in the exercise of their very wide terms of reference, been the means of affording considerable assistance to persons (other than refugees) with statutory claims.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the victims 2402 of the recent Queenstown outrages have received full compensation?
§ Mr. HEALYHas the right hon. Gentleman communicated with the Northern Government of Ireland concerning the large number of refugees from Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise.