HC Deb 30 April 1928 vol 216 cc1318-9
15. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can now inform the House as to what steps the Government propose to take with reference to the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in May last, in the case of Wigg and Cochrane v. the Attorney-General of the Irish Free State, deciding as to the rights of certain ex-British civil servants in the Irish Free State, under Article X of the Irish Treaty; whether it is proposed to introduce legislation dealing with this matter; when such legislation will be introduced; and what steps will be taken meanwhile to mitigate the hardships which are being suffered by the civil servants in question, who in many cases have for more than two years received neither pay nor pension, and have been unable to secure any settlement of their claims, notwithstanding the judgment in their favour of the Privy Council?

Mr. AMERY

My hon. Friend has no doubt observed that this matter has been discussed in another place. In the light of that discussion the whole question is now being further examined by His Majesty's Government, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that there will be no avoidable delay in announcing their decision.

Sir W. DAVISON

In view of all the circumstances of this case, will the Government consider the desirability of having a conference between representatives of the British Government, the Irish Free State Government, and the civil servants in question so as to arrive at an amicable settlement of this deplorable matter?

Mr. AMERY

I should welcome an amicable settlement, and any discussion which is likely to promote that will be equally welcome.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that there is very great hope of a settlement being arrived at on the basis suggested, and will he give consideration to the suggestions which have been made?

Mr. AMERY

Yes.