56. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty on what principle the sum awarded by the Government 1115 for compensation in respect of the explosion at Lerwick on the 12th April, 1914, was divided; and why some fishermen were awarded their claims almost in full and others did not receive 50 per cent.?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The claims were carefully assessed by local officers of the Admiralty, and the Government Grant of £3,000 was distributed by the Local Government Board for Scotland pro rata over the claims as assessed, except that claimants who were in very poor circumstances and had suffered relatively heavy loss were paid in full, or practically so, while some fishermen whose claims were in respect of the loss of their nets—their means of livelihood — received special awards.