§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to secure compensation for the dependants of the ten Irish workmen who lost their lives by the sinking of the steamship "Fern" in April last by enemy action; if he will arrange for the insurance of all workmen leaving Ireland to perform work of national importance in Great Britain; and if he will demand from the German Government compensation for the dependants of all those who have lost their lives as the result of submarine warfare?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere is no legal authority under which compensation could be given in the cases referred to, and I see no reason for giving the persons in question preferential treatment in comparison with the many other classes of persons who have suffered through enemy action of the same kind. As regards the last part of the question, I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on the 29th October.