HC Deb 09 August 1905 vol 151 c801
MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a blind man, named Edward George Boyce, who sells matches at Hammersmith, has just received 12s. as his share of the prize money earned whilst he was engaged on the "Cressy," in blockade work, during the Crimean War; whether he can state [...]er what circumstances fifty years [...]ere required to calculate the sum due [...]o Boyce; and whether the 12s. is inclusive or exclusive of interest.

MR. PRETYMAN

Boyce took his discharge from the Royal Navy on May 14th, 1857, and on August 31st of that year the prize money arising from the capture of the "Patrioten" and "Ida" was put in distribution and duly advertised. No claim, however, was received from or on behalf of the man until June 20th last. The case was then investigated, and the money paid on July 7th. Interest is not payable on prize money.

MR. MACVEAGH

Does the sum of 12s. include interest?

MR. PRETYMAN

I have said that interest is not payable on prize money.

MR. MACVEAGH

Why was no effort made to trace this man?

MR. PRETYMAN

The distribution of the money was advertised.