§ 47. Colonel DAYasked the Prime Minister whether the representations made by the Southwark Borough Council asking that a Committee from this House be appointed to re-examine the claims made by civilian sufferers from enemy action during the War, with a view to such claims being made a prior charge upon the reparations received from Germany, has received his attention; and can he make any statement in this connection?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have been asked to reply to this question. The letter from the Southwark Borough Council referred to in the question has been received. I 1577 have nothing to add to the numerous previous answers given on the same subject.
§ Colonel DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman agree to receive a deputation to discuss this matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat would be perfectly useless; there is no question about giving any more money.
53. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the sum of £5,300,000 allocated by the Government to meet the claims of those who suffered loss and damage through enemy action has been distributed to the claimants; and what is the amount of the outstanding claims to date?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe total amount distributed to claimants up to the present date is £4,898,102. It is impossible to state what is the amount of the outstanding claims, as a large number of claimants have still not returned the forms issued to them.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many seamen still awaiting the Government decision?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am aware that a great many complaints have been made on the subject, but we cannot make any additional funds available.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman see that there is no undue delay?
§ Sir ARTHUR SHIRLEY BENNIs it not a fact that of the £5,300,000 referred to, the first £5,000,000 was merely advanced by the Government for claims that were delayed owing to not getting a settlement with Germany, and it was never intended originally when the money was loaned that the claims should be settled?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThis matter has very often been debated in former Sessions, and I think the attitude the Government have definitely taken up is quite widely understood.