§ 40. Sir BASIL PETOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give any information as to the claims for compensation for the widows of the late captain and chief officer of the steamship "Edith Cavell," who died owing to hardships suffered during their imprisonment at St. Laurent, in French Guiana; and what steps are to be taken to obtain adequate compensation from the French or the French Colonial Government?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELI am glad to be able to state that, in response to representations made by His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, the French Government have agreed to make the following ex gratia grants: (1) £1,000 in respect of Captain Joys; (2) £750 in respect of Mr. Buxton; (3) £50 in respect of the Chief Engineer, Mr. Smith, who was detained for a short time.
§ Sir B. PETOWhile desiring to express thanks to the hon. Gentleman for the personal trouble he has taken, and to His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris for the satisfactory results, I would ask him to consider the very small amount that has been allocated to one of the officers concerned.
§ Mr. SAMUELI am obliged for what my hon. Friend has said. I will convey his message to His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris. My short answer is that we have already done the best we could in the circumstances for all three cases.