§ 39. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total amount to date of the claims made by British nationals belonging to British Colonies and Protectorates on account of loss or damage falling within the reparation clauses of the Treaty of Versailles; what is the machinery for considering the claims and fixing the amounts of the awards; and what steps have been taken overseas by the Colonial Office to direct public attention to the closing date for the receipt of claims?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe total amount to date of the claims made by British nationals belonging to the Colonies and Protectorates on account of loss or damage falling within the reparation clauses of the Treaty of Versailles is roughly £100,000. Such claims are assessed, on behalf of the Colonial Office, by the Board of Trade in accordance with the principles adopted by the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware an announcement recently appeared in the Press with regard to the final date for the lodgment of these claims, namely, the 31st March, 1931. The Colonial and Protectorate Governments have been notified by despatch of the closing date and have been asked to give it the widest publicity. Steps are also being taken with a view to giving it publicity in other countries.
§ Dr. SHIELSI require notice of that question.