HC Deb 01 March 1929 vol 225 cc2331-2

The following questions stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy:

2. To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of claims preferred by British seamen for compensation for injuries received by enemy action in the late war, and how many of these claims have been settled in full.

3. To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of the claims of British seamen for injuries received by enemy action in the late War; what amount of money has been paid out in settlement of these claims; and what amount remains in hand for further payments in settlement of such claims.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury is present, but I do not think that he is going to answer my questions. I should like to know whether I can have an answer before the Debate on the second Order for to-day:—Supply Committee, Civil Estimates, Revised Supplementary Estimate, 1928. I put down the questions in order to get some information for the purposes of the Debate.

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)

I will make inquiries, and, if possible, I will let the hon. and gallant Member have the information in time.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. Is it not usual on Friday that, if a Minister does not choose to answer a question orally, he sends a written answer almost immediately? I should like to be sure, on this occasion, of having the information for the Debate on the second Order.

Mr. SPEAKER

On Fridays, there is no obligation upon a Minister to give an oral reply.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I was only asking that I might have the information as soon as possible. It is important that I should get the figures.

Mr. SAMUEL

The subject matter of the questions does not come under my Department. I understand that it concerns the Board of Trade and that the Board of Trade are sending the information to the hon. and gallant Member.