HC Deb 28 July 1926 vol 198 cc2084-5
19. Colonel DAY (for Mr. N. MACLEAN)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of officers against whom claims were made by his Department for recovery of over-payments of allowances during the War; the total sum so claimed; how many of those claims were paid; and the total sum received by his Department?

Mr. DAVIDSON

The compilation of these particulars would necessitate the examination of the pay and allotment accounts of all officers who served during the War, and would involve an expenditure of time and labour which I think the hon. Member will agree, would not be justified.

20. Colonel DAY (for Mr. MACLEAN)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Deputy Accountant-General of the Admiralty invited Captain Ball, whom his Department had made bankrupt for overpayment of £190 of allowance during the War, to make an offer in clearance of the sum involved, and that Captain Ball sent a cheque for, £150, which was retained by the Admiralty for several days and then returned to the officer; and whether he can state the reasons for the return of the cheque and for the invitation to make the offer?

Mr. DAVIDSON

During the course of an interview which Captain Ball sought with a representative of the Accountant-General of the Navy, with a view to disposing of the Admiralty claim, the question of an offer was discussed, but it was made entirely clear to Captain Ball that acceptance of any such offer would be subject to the approval of higher authority and to the concurrence of the Admiralty's legal adviser. A cheque for £150 was received with a covering letter stating that it was offered on certain conditions, which Captain Ball subsequently explained to the Official Receiver in Bankruptcy meant that if the Admiralty accepted the cheque the bankruptcy proceedings should be annulled. He was informed by the Official Receiver that before his bankruptcy could be annulled it would be necessary that the whole of his debts should be paid in full. In the circum stances, as the condition on which the cheque was offered could not be complied with; the Admiralty were advised that the cheque should be returned to Captain Ball

Colonel DAY

Will the hon. Gentleman say what were the costs in this case?

Mr. DAVIDSON

Not without notice.