HC Deb 11 March 1929 vol 226 cc791-2
16. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if the compensation to which the Privy Council has decided that Messrs. Wigg and Cochrane are entitled under Article X of the Anglo-Irish Treaty has now been paid; and if he will explain the reason why interest has not been paid on the money withheld?

Mr. AMERY

As regards the first part of the question, my hon. Friend will have seen the present position from the proceedings in the House on 8th March in connection with the Supplementary Estimate required. I dealt with the second part of his question in the reply which I gave him on the 25th February.

Sir W. DAVISON

Did not the burden of paying rest originally with the Free State, and is there any reason why these people should not be paid at once, seeing that they have been waiting four or five years for their money?

Mr. AMERY

That is a question of administration within the sphere of the Free State Government.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does not my right hon. Friend think, seeing that the Free State Government have had the use of this money belonging to these people for four or five years, that they ought to hand over the interest which it has earned?