§ 78. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any sums have been advanced by His Majesty's Treasury on account of German reparations for relief of sufferers by enemy action at sea during the late War; what the total amount advanced is; how much has been paid out; who is administering the fund; and how seamen who are suffering from the effects of enemy action at sea, or the widows of such seamen who have died, should apply for relief from the fund?
§ Mr. BALDWINA sum of £5,000,000 has been voted to meet claims in respect of compensation for suffering and damage by enemy action, including claims from sufferers by enemy action at sea. About £50,000 has been paid. Applicants should communicate with the Reparation Claims Department of the Board of Trade, Stamford Street, S.E.I.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there any truth in the report published in the Press sometime ago, that the Sailors' and Firemens' Union was given the administration of a part of this money?
§ Mr. BALDWINI should like notice of that question.
Captain BENNHas the right hon. Gentleman done anything with regard to the promise he gave me to consider the speeding up of the settlement of these claims?
§ 79. Colonel BURNasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Royal Commission, formed to consider the question of German reparations, may be expected to issue their Report; if he is aware that the fishing industry of the town of Brixham is suffering severely, owing to the number of boats sunk by enemy action and the impossibility of replacing them owing to lack of capital; and can he hold out any immediatae hope of the payment of a portion of the indemnity by the German Government?
§ Mr. BALDWINI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I have just given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). Every endeavour is being made to hasten the Report of the Royal Commission.