§ 38. Mr. BARNESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if engineers signing under T 124 are not entitled to a share of prize money; and, if so, why this is the case?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The scope of the distribution of prize money has not yet been decided. It is therefore impossible to deal with the claims of any individual class. The claims of all classes who may have any reason for supposing that they are eligible to share in the distribution are now being considered. I ought again to add that inasmuch as the Board have decided upon a general distribution of prize money to the Fleet engaged in the War—as against the old system of the distribution of prize money amongst captors in each particular case—no distribution is possible, I am afraid, until the pool is complete at the close of hostilities.
§ Colonel YATEWhen will the scheme of distribution of prize money be decided and published?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know whether my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the scale. That will no doubt be published in due course in the "Gazette," but the whole matter will be presented to this House in a Bill which we hope will pass in time to enable us to proceed with the distribution when the pool is complete at the close of hostilities.
§ Colonel YATECannot the right hon. Gentleman say when the Bill will be introduced?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn due time for the purpose it seeks to secure.