HC Deb 17 May 1915 vol 71 c1970
22. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been injured in the anti-German riots in London; how many persons have been charged with participating in them; what is the estimated amount of the damage done by the rioters; how many claims have been sent in under the Riot (Damages) Act, 1886; and whether he will make known, by public advertisement, placard, or otherwise, the steps to be taken in order to obtain compensation?

Mr. McKENNA

257 persons, of whom 107 were police or special constables, were injured, so far as is known only one seriously. 866 persons have up to the present been arrested. The amount of damage done has not yet been assessed, and an estimate cannot therefore be given. Claims are being received under the Riot (Damages) Act, and the local police are referring all claimants to the Receiver of Police. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. LOUGH

Is there no fund out of which these people can be compensated, especially if they are English subjects?

Mr. W. THORNE

Will the Government be responsible for paying compensation, or the local authorities?

Mr. McKENNA

That matter is determined by the existing law.