§ 43. Sir BASIL PETOasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the Irish Grants Committee have ruled that, in considering grants to Irish loyalists for injuries to person or property or losses sustained since the date of the treaty, 11th July, 1921, they may take account of the effect of the loss sustained on the present financial position of the claimant; that this ruling applies to cases where persons suffered special hardship and loss by reason of their loyalty, but had no legal claim for compensation under the Criminal and Malicious Injuries Acts, as well as to cases of injuries to person and property which would, but for the Free State Act of 1923, have given rise to a legal claim for compensation under these Acts; and whether the Government are satisfied that such a ruling carries out the pledges given by successive British Governments to see that fair and equitable compensation was made, as found by the Report of the Dunedin Committee?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Amery)The answer to all three parts of the question is in the affirmative; and, as regards the third part I would refer my hon. Friend to the last part of the reply given to him on the 17th instant by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether grants in aid of compensation towards trees and woods cut down have been left out in the Free State grants scheme?
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that loyalists are being held up in rebuilding their houses by not being told the amount of the grant they will receive; and are they simply being given small sums on account and they do not know what further amounts they will receive?
§ Mr. AMERYI will look into that question. I understand that they are 2005 given as large an amount on account as is allowed under the provisions of the scheme.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs he aware that sums of £100 or £200 are given in the case of a house which would cost many hundreds of pounds more. The building is held up in consequence; and very great loss and inconvenience is occasioned?
§ Mr. AMERYIf my hon. Friend will let me know the circumstances, I will see that they are communicated to the proper quarter.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that several houses being rebuilt are much better than they were before, and that a friend of mine who is described as a loyalist has obtained a much better house paid for by the Free State Government than he had before?
§ Lieut. - Colonel HOWARD - BURYSurely the hon. and gallant Member must know that that is a very exceptional case.