§ 55. Sir B. PETOasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give any information as to the progress of the hearing of claims arising out of the internment of vessels of the British mercantile marine in Turkey during the late War; and particularly whether he can say when the investigation of these cases is likely to be complete, and what progress has been made in the settlement of claims?
Mr. SAMUELThe Inter-Allied Commission for the Assessment of Damage Suffered in Turkey, has assessed approximately two-thirds of the total number of claims submitted to it and is engaged in paying an advance of 40 per cent. of amounts awarded. It is not yet possible to say when the work of the Commission will be completed. I have no special information about the category of claims referred to in the question, but if my hon. Friend cares to give me particulars of the cases which he has in mind, I will look into the matter.