§ 22. Colonel PERKINSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the work of the Reparation Committee has now been concluded; whether further moneys can be obtained in connection with ex-enemy war payments; and whether he can hold out hope of further grants being made cither to the most deserving cases or to those who have received nothing?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the Royal Commission for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action. The Royal Commission issued its Final Report in February, 1924, but the payment of the awards it recommended is not yet completed, owing to delay in tracing claimants and securing from them the detailed particulars required. As has been frequently stated, the Government, after the fullest and most careful consideration, has decided that the amounts (totalling £5,300,000) already allocated to grants in respect of compensation must be regarded as final, and I can hold out no hope of this decision being reconsidered.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHHave all the monies granted been paid out?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, not yet.
§ Mr. BASIL PETOIn coming to this decision, had the Government in mind the definite pledge of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) when Prime Minister, made to the merchant service, that their claims were a first charge upon any sums recovered from Germany?
§ Mr. McNEILLI can only give the time honoured reply, that all the relevant factors are being considered.