§ 62. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps it is proposed to take with regard to those British ex-service men who were transferred without their permission from the British Civil Service to the Irish Free State, Civil Service and who have been ranked as civilians, placed first on the list of retrenchment, and are not permitted recompense for loss of position as in the case of the British Civil Service?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Amery)I would refer my hon. Friend to Article 10 of the Articles of Agreement, Article 7 of the Provisional Government (Transfer of Functions) Order, 1922, and Articles 77 and 78 of the Irish Free State Constitution, which secure to all civil servants transferred to the service of the Irish Free State all rights which they may have possessed prior to such transfer.
§ Sir W. SUGDENI have some little knowledge of the articles of the Treaty in question, and may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Free State are observing their obligations in regard to English civil servants, and will he use his authority to see that they get common justice?
§ Mr. AMERYI have no reason to assume that the Free State are not observing the terms of the Treaty.
§ Sir W. SUGDENIf I can give the right hon. Gentleman numerous instances, will he promise to investigate them and see that justice is done to these men?