HC Deb 28 February 1924 vol 170 cc656-7
20. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Minister of Pension if he can explain the delay in dealing with the reparation claim made by Mr. E. Henderson, No. S/3731/P2, 14, Robb Street, Springburn, Glasgow?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

I have been asked to reply; and as the answer is rather long, I suggest that I should be permitted to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. HARDIE

How can the Parliamentary Secretary explain the delay of nine or ten months in a case like this?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I think that when my hon. Friend reads my reply he will see that the delay was as much the fault of the man as of the Department.

Following is the answer:

The proper forms were sent by the Reparation Claims Department to Mr. Henderson care of the British Seafarers' Union, the only address known to the Department, on 8th June, 1920. The forms were not returned, and despite a letter of reminder sent to him on 28th September, 1922, nothing was heard from Mr. Henderson until a letter was received from him on 11th August, 1923. In these circumstances the claim falls into the belated category, as to which it is not possible to make any definite statement pending the presentation of the Second Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action.