§ 3. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why members of His Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular Services who have lost their belongings as a result of the invasion of the country in which they were employed are not to receive compensation until the end of the war?
§ Mr. ButlerCompensation to Diplomatic and Consular Officers within certain limits can be paid whenever it can be definitely established that their effects have been stolen, destroyed or rendered useless by deterioration. Owing to the difficulty of establishing the facts, in most cases capital compensation may have to he deferred until the end of the war, but in that event an annual percentage payment will be made to these officers as compensation for deprivation of the use of their furniture.
§ Mr. BartlettIs immediate compensation paid to Army officers who lost their belongings in France, or has that to wait too?
§ Mr. ButlerIt is the annual percentage payment made in respect of loss of furniture. I will consider the other point that the hon. Member makes and see what I can do.