asked the Minister for Defence whether a claim has been received from the proprietress of the Ardbear Hotel, Clifden, for £104 3s. 6d. for compensation on account of occupation of her premises by the Army in 1923 and for loss and damage to furniture, etc., during such occupation; whether he is aware that a sum of £3 was offered in full settlement of this claim; that on refusal of this a sum of £18 was offered, which was again refused, and whether he will take steps to see that fair compensation is immediately paid to this woman, who has made repeated applications for payment of her long overdue account.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - CLIFDEN HOTEL CLAIM.
A claim amounting to £61, in all, was received from the proprietress of the Ardbear Hotel, Clifden, in respect of accommodation for a number of officers and men for five days. £23 15s. 6d., being the amount claimed, was allowed for beds for the officers and men, and an offer of £18 has been made against the remainder of the claim (£37 4s. 6d.), which is in respect of damage to furniture, use of rooms, and fires. In all the circumstances, a total payment of £41 15s. 6d. is considered adequate.