§ 45. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the case of one of the late Irish Crown Solicitors, a man over 60 years of age, who was dismissed from his office by the Free State authorities after the truce with only a small gratuity and who was driven out of private practice in Ireland, solely because he had acted as Solicitor for the Crown and has now had to emigrate and take employment as a clerk at a weekly wage, was considered by the Irish Grants Committee recently; is he aware that the Grants Committee refused to make any further compensation for the dismissal from his position but made an award on account of the loss of his private practice; has any portion of this award yet been paid, other than a small advance to meet his immediate and pressing necessities; and will he state why the amount recommended should not now be announced to this man and immediate payment made of the reduced sum recommended, to enable him to restart in life?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to this question. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which the Financial Secretary gave him yesterday.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there would be no need to ask these questions if these unfortunate people had been 1567 treated half as well as certain deportees were treated some time ago?
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say approximately when these final awards will be made? Is he aware that if they are not made soon, many of the applicants will be dead before they receive the money?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe matter is receiving the attention of the Government, and I am not in a position to make any further statement.