HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 c1294
74. Mr. WATT

asked whether the de pendants of the passengers of the steamship "California" who were lost will receive compensation in the same manner as the dependants of the officers and seamen who perished; and, if not, why this differentiation is made?

Mr. ROBERTS

The Government compensation scheme does not apply in the case of passengers. It is not considered that there is sufficient reason to provide compensation at the public expense.