§ 21. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how much prize money has been paid to officers and men of the Royal Navy to date what is the total amount of the prize fund; how much of this fund will be available for distribution to the Royal Navy; and is it intended to issue a balance sheet at an [...]arly date?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Colonel Sir James Craig)The amount of prize money authorised for payment to members of the naval forces to date is approximately £4,750,000. A sum of £7,500,000 has so far been received for the Naval Prize Fund, but it cannot be stated how much more than the original appropriation of £5,500,000 will be available for further distribution, until the various Prize Court accounts are cleared up, and the total amount of claims ranking against the Fund under the rulings of the Naval Prize Tribunal has been ascertained. Meanwhile all the balance in hand is kept invested for the benefit of the Fund. The Prize Fund accounts are laid before the House annually in accordance with the requirements of the Naval Prize Act. That for the current year ending on the 31st March, 1921, will be completed at the earliest date possible.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it contemplated making a second distribution of prize money to officers and men of the Royal Navy?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether, when it was seen there will be an extra sum in hand, something on account will not be paid to those entitled to it, in view of the fact that they are extremely short of money and many are out of employment?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI will consider what can be done in that matter.