§ 4. Mr. HOGGEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty has admitted liability for compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act in respect of the death of the seamen drowned in the wreck of the "Rohilla"; if so, what is the cause of the delay in settling it; and whether he is aware that the delay in settling is causing great distress and inconvenience to a number of poor people who are dependants of those seamen and are entitled to compensation, and when the compensation is likely to be paid?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I regret the delay no less than my hon. Friend, but the case has presented great difficulties owing to the many questions of principle which have arisen affecting the decision as to liability for compensation. Arrangements have, however, now been 2303 made for the payment due under the Workmen's Compensation Act to be proceeded with, without prejudice to the final decision as to liability. The question as to supplementary awards under the Injuries in War Compensation Scheme is also proceeding. As regards the latter part of the question, I understand that the owners of the ship, who have been in touch with the dependants since the loss, have been making temporary advances to meet cases of distress.