§ 45. Mr. WATTasked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to pay any compensation to the relatives of those who lost their lives by the sinking of the "California" on 7th February last, in view of the fact that that steamer was carrying foodstuffs for the use of the Government?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The dependants of the officers and seamen of of the ss. "California," who lost their lives will receive compensation equivalent to that payable under the Injuries in War (Compensation) Acts to the dependants of officers and seamen of Fleet auxiliaries. The payments will be made through the Liverpool and London War Risks Insurance Association. Eleven of the claims have already been settled, and no time is being lost in dealing with the remainder, nearly all of which are cases of partial dependency, and therefore more difficult to determine.