HC Deb 15 March 1915 vol 70 cc1736-7
35. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked whether the Government have commenced to pay prize bounty to the relatives and dependants of the men who have lost their lives in the recent naval engagements; and, if not, when they propose to do so?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No payment has yet been made, and none could be made until the Prize Court have decided how much shall be allowed and until certain other formalities have been observed. The periodic payment of prize bounty does not, I admit, represent so difficult a task as the periodic payment of prize money. And whilst I do not wish it to be understood that we shall necessarily I wait till the end of the War to distribute the bounty, I must not create the impression that we shall find ourselves able to distribute it after each well-defined engagement. I sympathise with the hon. Gentleman's intention, and we shall do what we can to give effect to it, though he no doubt will admit the difficulties.

36. Mr. TERRELL

asked whether, in view of the difficulty in destroying a sub-marine and of the service rendered to the State in doing so, and also of the number of vessels employed who would be entitled to participate, the Government will consider the advisability of increasing the prize bounty from £5 a head to £50 a head of the crew of the submarine so destroyed?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The prize bounty payable is fixed by Act of Parliament, and an amendment of the Act would be necessary before any such suggestion could be entertained. Whilst I can give no undertaking, I will not absolutely dismiss the suggestion. Meanwhile, I would point out that the Admiralty have other means of rewarding officers and men for their services in time of War.

37. Mr. TERRELL

asked what rewards, if any, the Government propose to pay to the captains and crews of merchant ships who have been successful in destroying enemy submarines?

Dr. MACNAMARA

As I stated in reply to the hon. Baronet the Member for Mid-Armagh on Wednesday last, the Admiralty are always ready to mark any act of daring and good seamanship, which assists the naval operations, in a fitting manner, but I have no further statement to make on the subject at present.

Mr. TERRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement as to these rewards?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I should not like to say "without notice.