§ 2. Colonel GRETTONasked where the Naval Prize Money funds are deposited; are they in the possession of the Admiralty, or have they been paid into the Exchequer?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAll moneys arising from the proceeds of prizes taken during the present War are in the hands of the several Prize Courts. They have not been paid into the Exchequer.
§ Colonel GRETTONArising out of that reply, is the representative of the Admiralty aware that by law all Prize Money must be paid into the Exchequer, and will he take steps to see the law is carried into effect?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWell, I will look into that.
§ 8. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the distribution of Prize Money to all officers and men in the Fleet under the new system will require to be sanctioned by Parliament; whether it will be necessary to bring in a Bill for that purpose; if so, when do the Government propose to introduce it; whether the Prize Money which would have been due to officers who have been killed in action or whilst serving on full pay is to be paid to their widows or next of kin or dependants; and how is the amount due to them to be calculated?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty are advised that legislation will be required to authorise the intended system of distribution of Prize Money to the Fleet generally instead of the previous practice, whereby it was granted to the captors only. No date can be given at present for the introduction of a Bill, the terms of which are still under consideration, but I may assure my hon. and gallant Friend that any shares due to officers and men who may lose their lives meanwhile will be payable to their legal representatives. My hon. and gallant Friend will be interested to know that prize bounty has been distributed in one case, and that a decree of the Court has been given in three other cases. As soon as the sums awarded have been placed in the hands of the Admiralty, distribution will proceed forthwith.
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman give us no indication when the Bill will be introduced for the distribution of the Prize Money?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs I have said, I cannot.