§ 28 Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he can state the progress which has been made with the settlement of the claims of passengers who were on vessels torpedoed in the War;
(2) whether he is aware that the claims of passengers who were victims in the sinking of the steamship "Arabic ' during the War are still unsettled, though seven years have elapsed; and when a settlement in this matter may be expected?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have been asked to reply. As regards the latter question, the answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action is considering as rapidly as possible claims by British nationals against the £5,000,000 provided for the purpose of makingex gratia grants in respect of damage by enemy action. Claims arising out of death and personal injury are receiving first consideration. I am not in a position to make any statement as to the progress made pending publication of the Report of the Royal Commission.