§ 15. Mr. RAPERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Government of Peru has yet made any remittance in respect of the claims made against them by the British emigrants who went out to Peru on the representations of their Consul in London, and subsequently returned to this country, owing to the fact that conditions there were not as represented?
§ Mr. AMERYNo remittance has as yet been received from the Government of Peru in respect of the claims made by 1029 emigrants from this country, but I understand that a decree was signed by the President on 19th May, authorising an advance payment of £2,000 to be paid throught the Peruvian Legation in London. As soon as this money is received a distribution will be made.
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir, I do not think that is so, but the President, pending investigation, has authorised an advance to us of £2,000.
§ Mr. RAPERDoes the British Government propose to accept that in full settlement of the Peruvian Government's liability?
§ Mr. AMERYThat depends on investigation of the particular claims, and a good many claims have been sent in. Some of these naturally are at the very highest figure, and we can only ask the Peruvian Government to pay those claims which we have ourselves verified.
§ Mr. BRIANTIn the interim cannot the Government make some advance towards these men until this £2,000 is paid, as many of them are absolutely destitute and entirely dependent on Poor Law relief?