HC Deb 06 July 1916 vol 83 cc1664-5
46. Colonel YATE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the sanction of Parliament is required for any alterations contemplated in the system of distributing prize money and that the Bill will have to be of a restrospective character covering the past twenty-two months of the War, he can now state when the Bill will be introduced?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. It is impossible to name a date. The preparation of the Bill is being pressed forward with all dispatch, but the points involved are numerous and intricate and require very careful consideration. Of course, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that legislative authority is secured in good time for executive action without delay when the proper time arrives.

Colonel YATE

Has the right hon. Gentleman realised that great injustice is being inflicted on the Royal Navy by delay with this matter?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot admit that. If the House wished to revert to the old system of paying the prize money to the actual captor there would be no prejudice as regards private bounty. I have already informed my hon. and gallant Friend that one payment has been made and that others are in progress.

Commander BELLAIRS

Will care be taken that this Prize Money Bill is introduced at a period of the Session which will enable us adequately to discuss it?

Sir E. CARSON

Were we not promised this Bill more than a year ago?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I should think that that is very likely. The promise, I believe, was that it would be done as soon as possible, but no one knows better than the right hon. and learned Gentleman that with the new proposal and the conditions of modern warfare the matter is very involved.

Colonel YATE

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet even appointed a Committee to inquire into this complicated question, and, if not, will he do so at once?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The question just asked is to some extent an answer to the points that have been raised. We have all been at work discussing these various points that have arisen.

Sir E. CARSON

Was the matter gone into before the old system was abolished?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Certainly.

Sir E. CARSON

That is two years ago.