HC Deb 29 November 1922 vol 159 cc675-6
10. Mr. HARBORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the remaining instalment of naval prize money will be paid?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

The payment of the final instalment of naval prize money, which commenced in April last, is now approaching completion. Claims have already been invited from all interested, except those whose names begin with the letters A, B, E and S. These letters will be opened for payment within the next month.

Mr. HARBORD

Will the hon. Member, in view of the failure of the herring fishing, not only this year but for the past two years, whereby great distress is caused—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] I think it is a legitimate question. [HON. MEMBERS: "You are reading it!"] Will he take such steps as would result—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

If the question is carefully written, it had better be handed in.

19. Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that in the, case of those naval ratings who were killed in action during the late War before completing the full time for prize money, their representatives received the full prize money, first and second issues; and if he will consider the claim of those men who, through no fault of their own, were invalided early in the War after active service or who happened to be ashore and were killed in a land action to such full prize money?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

The regulations for the award of prize money provide that the maximum shares which could have been earned may be granted to those who, before completing the qualifying period of service at sea, died or were invalided as a result of wounds or injuries sustained on such service, or who, having had at least 10 months' qualifying time, died or were invalided on account of disease attributable to the Service. Prize money, however, is an award made solely in respect of services at sea, being derived from the proceeds of prizes captured by His Majesty's ships, and consequently services in land operations or casualties sustained on such employment do not give any title to the grant.