HC Deb 29 July 1912 vol 41 cc1645-6W
Mr. FFRENCH

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that no part of the expense of the London police who did duty in Glamorganshire during the labour troubles has been paid by the local authority; and, seeing that the claim has been deferred until a kindred question in a case now pending has been decided and seeing that the case of Wexford is on the same footing as the case of Glamorganshire, will he take steps to see that Wexford is not pressed for payment until the case in question is decided?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that the facts regarding the expenses of the Metropolitan Police sent to Glamorganshire are as stated in the question. The case of county Wexford is not, however, on the same footing. The law with respect to the charges for extra police in Ireland is quite clear, and there is, therefore, no reason why the settlement of the claim against county Wexford should await the result of the legal proceedings referred to in the case of Glamorganshire.

Sir THOMAS ESMONDE

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the Wexford County Council, when striking the county rate, were not aware that they would be compelled to pay £3,000 for extra police in connection with the Wexford labour troubles; that they have made no provision for this extra charge, and will consequently be unable to meet it; and if, in the circumstances, the Government will give the council time to meet this extra charge until July next, on receipt of a resolution from the county council that they will raise this £3,000 by a separate charge in the next rate?

Mr. BIRRELL

The sum charged to the County Council of Wexford as extra police expenses in connection with labour troubles in the town of Wexford is £2,848. As the county council at several of their meetings postponed consideration of the claim, and as it seemed unlikely that they would alter their attitude on the subject, the amount has been deducted from sums payable from the Local Taxation (Ireland) Account to the County Council of Wexford. I am afraid, therefore, that the request for the postponement of the charges is too late.