HC Deb 06 December 1922 vol 159 cc1735-6
15. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty upon what principles the prize bounty salvage awards in connection with the Battle of Jutland have been fixed; and if he is aware that in some cases some of the men have received as their share only 5s. 1d.; and if he will take action in the matter?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

Prize bounty is a special award under Section 42 of the Naval Prize Act, 1864, which is granted to the crews of His Majesty's ships present at the capture or destruction of enemy armed vessels. The award is fixed at £5 for each member of the crew of the enemy vessel taken or destroyed, and the claim has to be proved in the Prize Court. In the Battle of Jutland the enemy ships sunk carried 4,537 persons, and the award made was £22,685, which amount, after payment of the expenses of the claim, was distributed on the usual scale amongst the 61,654 officers and men present in His Majesty's ships. The share of an able seaman worked out at 5s. 1d., the smallness of the share being due to the very large number of persons among whom the award was divided.

27. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the extraordinary delay in payment of prize money to Samuel Coaley, of Kirkdale, Liverpool, and also to the Department concerned in not answering six letters relating to this case, including a registered letter, and a letter from a magistrate writing on the man's behalf; and can he make any statement on the subject?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

I much regret the delay in the payment of Mr. Coaley's claim, which was due to the Office record of his service being missing when his application was received. I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that, although every precaution is taken, it is impossible to ensure that a few papers are not mislaid out of the many thousands that are constantly in circulation. I also regret any inconvenience or anxiety which has been caused to Mr. Coaley in connection with this matter.

Mr. ROSE

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us what period can be placed or will be placed on the final disbursement of prize money, and can he give the House any idea when they are going to get rid of this liability altogether?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise.