HC Deb 30 November 1916 vol 88 cc450-1
5. Sir E. CORNWALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what steps are taken with regard to perishable and non-perishable goods placed in the Prize Court; and whether in cases where the Court decides against the British claim the goods, or the money obtained from the sale of such goods, are released to the owners?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

My Noble Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Perishable goods are sold by the Marshal as and when necessary. If an Order for release of perishable goods is made subsequently to the sale, the owner receives the proceeds, less expenses of detention and sale. Non-perishable goods are in such case released to the owners, unless with their consent they had previously been sold to avoid accumulating charges for detention