§ 48. Major ENTWISTLEasked the Prime Minister if he will extend the terms 1551 of reference of the Select Committee on Pensions to allow the Committee to inquire into the position of fishermen and their dependants who are suffering as a consequence of loss during the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not prepared to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.
§ Major ENTWISTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Compensation Fund, out of which these pensions are being paid, is exhausted in nearly all cases, and that the matter is one of extreme urgency; and is the Government prepared to adopt any other plan to relieve this urgent situation?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not familiar with the facts, but I understand an extended inquiry would go far beyond the scope of the Select Committee which was set up.
§ Major ENTWISTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Select Committee itself recommended that the Government should pay attention to this urgent problem? Have they considered that recommendation, and what steps do they propose to take?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I have said, I am not familiar with the facts, but I will inquire into them.