§ 43. Captain W. BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action has not yet been drawn up, and that, pending this Report, many hundreds of claimants are being kept in suspense as to the result of their claims; and whether, in view of the time which has already elapsed, he can give some idea as to the date when the Report may be expected and the claims settled?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI understand that the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action hope to present an interim report shortly, but are not at present able to indicate any precise date. In the meanwhile, grants are being made in specially necessitous cases. Owing to the very large lumber of cases to be dealt with (some of them in distant parts of the world), it is not anticipated that the work of the Royal Commission can be concluded for some considerable time.
§ Captain BENNIs the hon. Member aware that there are numerous cases of seamen who cannot get their claims attended to or settled? I have had many brought to my notice.
§ Sir J. BAIRDThat is covered by the answer. Cases are being dealt with, and, as the hon. and gallant Member says, there are many of them scattered about the world, and that is one of the main difficulties.
§ Captain BENNCould the hon. Member make some representation to see that what is really a great grievance is remedied as soon as possible?
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs there any interest accumulating until the date of settlement?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERCan the hon. Member say to whom applications for interim payment should be made in necessitous cases?
§ Sir J. BAIRDWill my hon. and learned Friend kindly put that question down?