§ 16. Sir CHARLES CAYZERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Minister in China has now lodged a claim for indemnity for the murder of Mr. John Thorburn with the Chinese Government; and, if so, for what amount?
§ Sir J. SIMONHis Majesty's Minister has been authorised in principle to present a claim to the Chinese Government. I am not at present able to state the precise amount.
§ Sir C. CAYZERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a similar case in the past no less than £10,000 was paid by the Chinese Government to relatives, and can he make a similar demand in this case?
§ Sir J. SIMONAs I have said, I am not aware of the amount of this claim. 739 Obviously, there is no similar case because every case must depend on the circumstances and on the extent to which relations were dependent.