§ MR. SHARPE (Kensington, N.)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Admiralty are now in a position to distribute the Canton Booty Fund among the survivors and next-of-kin of the seamen and Marines who took part in the China War of 1852; and what sum will be available for distribution.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) Of the net proceeds of the sale of the booty taken at Canton when that city was captured in December, 1857, the amount awarded to the Navy was £28,848 2s. 7d. That amount was put into distribution in February, 1861, and payments are still being made to any persons able to substantiate their claims as survivors, or their next-of-kin. In 1902 a Blue-book was published by the Admiralty giving particulars of all prize moneys still unpaid which had been put into distribution between 1st January, 1855, and 31st March 1902, together with the names of the persons interested. The unclaimed shares in the Canton Booty Fund are included in the list; and the amount unpaid is about £1,100.