§ 36. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements have now been made for the settlement of compensation claims of injured workmen in Government service in Sierra Leone, by the local branch of the Overseas Department instead of by the respective Government Departments in this country, whereby delays and hardship to injured applicants or their dependants ensue?
§ Colonel StanleyAs I explained to my hon. Friend in reply to the Question he addressed to me on 17th March, this is a matter for the Service Departments concerned and not for the Colonial Office. I am not in a position, therefore, to answer Questions which should be addressed to my right hon. Friends in charge of these Departments.
§ Mr. AdamsDoes the Minister mean that the Colonial Office can take no action in this matter, which directly affects one of the Colonies?
§ Colonel StanleyThis is a matter for machinery within the respective Departments. The hon. Member must put his Question to those Departments.