§ 49. Sir ALFRED YEOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of 174 Shipping whether the Government have paid out of public funds charges incurred on the cargo of steamers ordered by the Admiralty to discharge at Plymouth instead of London; whether his Department has had before it charges in connection with the cargo of the steamer "Antilochus," which arrived at Plymouth on or about the 25th of June, 1917; whether, since twelve months has nearly elapsed, the Ministry is now in a position to decide the question of liability to pay; whether for the last seven months no definite statement, or latterly any reply at all, can be obtained from his Department; and whether he can now clear up this long-standing matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)It has been decided, after careful consideration by the Departments concerned, to pay out of public funds charges incurred on cargo of steamers ordered to discharge at ports other than their correct destination, provided that the diversion occurred on or after 1st May, 1917. A large number of claims have to be dealt with, but these are being disposed of as rapidly as possible. The claims in respect of the steamship "Antilochus" are in hand, and it is hoped to dispose of them very shortly. I should, perhaps, add that there is no legal liability on the Government to pay those charges.