HC Deb 11 July 1922 vol 156 cc1068-9W
Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, owing to the approaching absence of the Chairman of the Commission appointed to investigate the awards made under the Malicious Inquiries (Ireland) Act, in- vestigators are to be appointed to proceed with the work of the Commission, and to endeavour to bring the parties together in various parts of the country; if so, how many of these investigators will be appointed: by whom will they be appointed: by whom will they be paid, and will they all be Irishmen; and whether, having regard to the fact that the work of the Commission is to re-hear judgments already given in British courts of law, he will say who are the parties that are now to be brought together by these investigators?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand that the Commission is considering the appointment of investigators, but it is not yet possible to say how many will be required or what will be the nationality of the persons appointed. Their expenses will be met as part of the ordinary expenses of the Commission. The exact nature of the duties proposed to be performed by the investigators has not been determined, but the hon. and gallant Member may take it that the investigators will work directly under the control of the Commission.