HC Deb 05 March 1928 vol 214 cc799-800
19. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the estimated sum which will be required to compensate ex-British civil servants under Article 10 of the Irish Treaty in accordance with the recent judgment of the Privy Council; what is the reduced amount which it is estimated will be payable in accordance with the revised proposals made by the Irish Free State to the British Government; and what compensation it is proposed to pay such civil servants for being retained in office beyond the period of two years from the date of handing in their notices of retirement, as provided in the treaty?

Mr. AMERY

As regards the first two parts of the question the detailed information required to enable an estimate to be given is not in my possession. As regards the third part, if, as would appear, the civil servants have received salary for the period referred to, no question of compensation would seem to arise.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the Treaty these civil servants had the right to retire within two years, and many of them have been kept over three years, thereby losing employment? Does he not think that they are entitled to some compensation for being illegally detained?

Mr. AMERY

I do not think they were illegally detained, but very naturally they stayed on pending a definite ascertainment of their position with regard to pension rights.

Sir W. DAVISON

Did not the British Government really consider the liabilities involved before deciding to pass legislation to deprive these people of their rights as decided by the Privy Council?

Mr. AMERY

The Government very naturally considers the whole position of civil servants, both here and in the Irish Free State, and they do not desire that these particular civil servants should enjoy a position of greater privilege, though certainly not less, than British civil servants here.

Sir W. DAVISON

Were not these civil servants specially deprived of employment on which they had entered under the British Government, and is not that an entirely different case from civil servants who cease to be employed under an employer with whom they engaged?