asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the total sum that has been paid to Irish loyalists, and the estimated sum required to meet the full claims?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total cost to the Exchequer of the ex gratia grants made and to be made in the recommendations of the Irish Grants Committee, in accordance with the latest decision of the Government?

The total sum so far paid in respect of recommendations made by the Irish Grants Committee is £1,042,000. The additional sum required for payment in full of the recommendations already received is approximately £298,000. I am not in a position to give an accurate estimate of the total sum to which the Committee's recommendations will amount.

Is it the intention of the Government to supply a list of claimants, with the amount claimed, before the next Supplementary Estimate is brought before the House?

That is the first time that I have heard of such a suggestion.

In view of the recent discussion, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of publishing a list of the claimants, and the amounts claimed, before asking for the Vote?

HON. MEMBERS:

Answer!

The Minister may desire to answer both questions at once.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is anticipated that the Committee will have finished the investigation of all the claims, and when, therefore, the Government will know their total liability in this matter?

No, Sir.

Are we not entitled to a reply to my question?

It is a supplementary question, which raises entirely new issues. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] Pardon me. If hon. Members will read the question, they will see that there is no reference in it as to whether a list of the parties concerned should be published or not. It is an entirely new question which has been asked as a supplementary question. I am perfectly prepared to answer the question, but I must have the requisite notice.

If we organise a revolt on the Government back benches, will there be a generous reply?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the granting of this increased sum will have a very harmful effect upon the whole cause of public economy?

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has told us that the Cabinet have considered these claims, will he not disclose to the House of Commons the information on which the Cabinet came to their own decision?

That question clearly arises out of the altogether irrelevant supplementary question which I have just said I cannot answer without notice.

On a point of Order. Is it in order, in view of the wording of the question, which refers to "full claims," to ask as a supplementary question whether the Government have the information as to what are these "full claims"? May I press that as a supplementary question, and ask that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should reply to it?

The hon. Member may ask a question, but it does not follow that it will be answered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who are the Irish loyalists who are mentioned in the question?

If I put a question upon the Order Paper with respect to the claims, will the right hon. Gentleman reply?

If the hon. Member puts a question down, I am bound to reply, but not necessarily in the way that he would like.