§ 12. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether officers and men of the coastguards serving in Ireland, and who, through the conditions of their service, suffer partial or total 346 loss by fire, looting, or otherwise, of their effects, personal or otherwise, are entitled to compensation; whether, if the wives and families of officers and men of the coastguards remain in Ireland, they have to do so at their own expense without any grant; whether he is aware that, owing to the destruction of their furniture, etc., these men have to take furnished houses; how many claims for compensation have been made in this connection; how many are still awaiting settlement; how many claims have been in existence without settlement for two, six, nine and twelve months respectively; what is the reason for delay in settlement; and will the Admiralty permit officers and men so affected to be transperred, with their wives and families, and such effects as they may possess, to England at public expense?
§ Sir J. CRAIGOfficers and men of the coastguard serving in Ireland are entitled to compensation from public funds for damage to, or loss of, their uniform, clothing, and household furniture, when such loss is not recoverable from the party responsible for making good. The second part of the question is not understood, as officers and men of the coastguard are entitled to service accommodation or allowances in lieu. No claims in respect of the renting of furnished houses owing to the destruction of furniture belonging to officers and men have been received in the Admiralty, but ten claims have been received in respect of compensation for loss of, or damage to, furniture in official quarters. These ten claims are awaiting settlement. The claims, which were only received in the Admiralty on the 21st October, have been preferred on the local authorities in the first instance, and compensation has been awarded by the Court against the local authorities, but so far as is known this has not yet been paid. Instructions have already been given for the removal of wives and families of coastguard officers and men serving in Ireland and their effects to England at the public expense in all cases in which such removal is considered necessary for their safety. Officers and men who are required for duty in Ireland cannot, of course, be transferred to England.
§ Viscount CURZONWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no undue delay in the payment of claims of this nature? In the case of 347 officers and men who have had their property burned or looted, will compensation be paid as promptly as possible?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI do not think any Department of the Government takes more pains with regard to its servants than the Admiralty.
§ Mr. THOMPSON DONALDAre not many of these people suffering hardship through lack of houses? Will he get some accommodation for them?
§ Sir J. CRAIGWhere there is difficulty in regard to accommodation, we endeavour to provide it for men with wives and families.