§ 39. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now decided what compensation will be paid to the widow of William J. Seals, who was killed by an Army lorry driven on the wrong side of the road and without lights, during an air-raid in Portsmouth; and whether, in view of other prosecutions of Army drivers by the civil authorities for driving without lights in similar circumstances to the danger of the public, he will take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents?
§ Captain MargessonA letter was sent to Mrs. Seals on 3rd June explaining that, while the War Department could not accept any liability in this case, they would be willing to consider a claim for an ex-gratia grant on compassionate grounds. A reply to this letter is now awaited. As regards the second part of the Question, the question of lighting on War Department vehicles during air-raids is at present under review, and further instructions will be issued shortly.
§ Sir J. LucasIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that ex-gratia payment means something just for expenses and no more?
§ Captain MargessonThat may be so, but in this case the War Office do not admit liability.
§ Captain StricklandIf this man had been a civilian driver, would he have been treated with the same consideration as an Army driver?
§ Captain MargessonYes, Sir, with exactly the same consideration.
§ Mr. SilvermanIf on the facts stated in the Question the War Office do not admit liability in this case, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us upon what facts the War Office would accept liability?