§ 29. Captain W. BENNasked the Prime Minister whether the question of 1523 compensation for the destruction of property where the victims are innocent has been considered by the Cabinet?
§ Mr. HENRYI have nothing to add to the reply given to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a question on this subject asked by the hon. and gallant Member on the 16th instant.
§ Captain BENNIn view of the constant assurances we have had that this question of compensation to innocent victims is being considered, may I ask the Leader of the House when we may expect a decision?
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)If the hon. and gallant Gentleman had my work to do, he would understand my difficulty in fixing a definite date.
§ Mr. DEVLINHas this question ever been brought before the Cabinet at all?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not know that I am called upon to answer questions as to what has or what has not been brought before the Cabinet, and there certainly are many occasions on which I should decline to do so. Being, however, always desirous of satisfying curiosity where I can, I may tell the hon. Member that the answer to his question is in the affirmative.
§ Captain BENNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been constantly stated in this House that this question is receiving Cabinet attention, and, as the matter merits something more than a flippant reference, can the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer.
§ Mr. DEVLINSince the right hon. Gentleman has been generous enough to give me an answer in the affirmative, may I ask what has been the decision of the Cabinet in this matter, and when that decision will be announced to the House?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe decision of the Cabinet was that the time has not arrived to take a decision upon the question.