§ 12. Sir John Wardlaw-Milneasked the Prime Minister whether any claims for compensation for damage to British property in Shanghai other than those already reported to the House have been presented to the Japanese Government and, if not, when it is proposed to present them; and whether he will take steps to do so without further delay, in view of the fact that the war has moved away from Shanghai and of the serious suffering inflicted on innocent British subjects?
§ Mr. ButlerI have at present under review the whole question of the procedure to be followed in regard to the claims which have been filed with His Majesty's Consular Officers in China. If it appears that immediate presentation is in the best interest of claimants themselves and is generally feasible, I shall certainly be willing to give instructions for this procedure to be adopted.
§ Sir J. Wardlaw-MilneWhen the hon. Member is considering this matter will he pay particular attention to the claim for damages done to British property in view of the occupation of the northern 1096 and eastern parts of the country as a base for military occupation?
§ Mr. ButlerI will certainly consider all relevant facts.