HC Deb 18 July 1927 vol 209 cc9-10
20. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many cases have now been heard by the Irish Grants Committee; whether he can form any opinion as to when the labours of the committee will end; whether the final result of the recommendations to the Government will be communicated to the House; and whether, in each case, the recommendation by the committee will be communicated to the claimant?

Mr. AMERY

In reply to the first part of the question, I am informed that the committee have considered 1,200 of the 3,036 cases referred to them. I regret that I am not at present in a position to reply to the other three parts of the question otherwise than by saying that I do not anticipate that the work of the committee will be finished much, if at all, before the end of the financial year, and that it is unlikely that the Government will reach a decision as to what final action they will take in the matter before then.

Sir B. PETO

May I ask for an answer to the last part of the question, as to whether the amount of the recommendation will in each case be communicated to the claimant, so that he shall know where he stands?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir, the Government can only decide whether it is desirable to do that when it is in a position to review the whole situation, and to know how far it can satisfy all the recommendations of the committee.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is it the case, according to the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, that the claimants may not get the full amount allocated by the Committee, and that it depends on the decision of the Government?

Mr. AMERY

It does to some extent, but I hope we shall be able to satisfy the claimants substantially.

21. Sir B. PETO

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the interim payments being made to claimants before the Irish Grants Committee are made on a fixed proportion of the compensation recommended in each ease; and, if not on what method the interim payment is computed?

Mr. AMERY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the second part, I understand that the Committee only recommend interim payments in cases in which it appears from the evidence before them that the applicant is in need of immediate financial assistance; and that in such cases the amount of the interim payment recommended is arrived at, within the limits of the total recommendation which the Committee propose to make, after taking account of the applicant's needs.