§ Mr. HAYESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Civil Service Committee on compensation arising out of Irish Free State matters has not dealt with any matters for nearly 12 months past; and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter?
§ Mr. AMERYI am aware that the work of the Civil Service (Compensation) Committee has been suspended for some considerable time, and that in consequence the hearing of applications for the award of pensions under Article X of the Articles for a Treaty has been postponed. The delay was in the first instance caused by the resignation of the Chairman, and I am informed that considerable difficulty has been experienced by the Government of the Irish Free State in obtaining the services of a suitable person, preferably a Judge, to act as Chairman. I understand, however, that the Government of the Irish Free State hope that this difficulty has been overcome. In the meantime an action was brought into the Courts on behalf of two civil servants relating to pensions awarded by the Committee. This action has been heard in the High Court and on appeal in the Supreme Court, but it is understood that the plaintiffs have now entered an appeal to the Privy Council. Inasmuch as the point at issue affects the whole of the pensions awarded by the Committee, the Government of the Irish Free State are of opinion that no useful purpose would be served by reconstituting the Committee until the Privy Council has dealt with the appeal. In these circumstances I do not see that at this stage His Majesty's Government is called upon to take or could usefully take any action in the matter.