asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the definite pledge of the British Government, in their letter addressed to the Irish Provisional Government, dated 26th July, 1922, and re-affirmed by all subsequent British Governments, to the effect that, while the responsibility for meeting claims to compensation rested on the Irish Government, His Majesty's Government could not divest themselves of the duty of seeing that such claims were met equitably and as promptly as unavoidable difficulties allowed, he will appoint a judicial Commission, similar to the Deportee Commission, to fix compensation for personal injuries and injuries to property of loyalists in Southern Ireland from July, 1922, on the basis of pre-truce legislation, together with compensation to persons whose property has been looted and themselves driven out of Ireland in cases where the Criminal Injuries Act provides no remedy, and in other cases where the Irish Government has not provided the protection which it undertook to provide by its Agreement of January, 1922?

Mr. THOMAS:

His Majesty's Government have repeatedly stated their policy—which is identical with that of their predecessors—in regard to these matters, and they do not consider it necessary to appoint the Commission which the hon. Member desires.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that every month that passes makes the case of these unfortunate people worse; and, further, is he aware that they have not received that justice which several Governments of His Majesty have promised them?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is going to compensate the refugees who have been driven out of Northern Ireland? Is it not the case that the Southern refugees can return home because law and order has been established, but that the Northern refugees cannot return home yet?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question which I have addressed to him, and say whether these unfortunate people, whose only crime is loyalty to this country, are not entitled to the same consideration as the deportees?

Mr. THOMAS:

My hon. Friend is aware that the late Government appointed a Committee to deal with that matter. The policy of the late Government is identical with our own. The question now is whether I will appoint another Committee, and to that I cannot give an affirmative answer.