HC Deb 19 January 1944 vol 396 cc166-7
42. Mr. Touche

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the financial hardship caused to Naval officers by the meagre compensation which is paid to them for loss of kit and personal property when their ship is sunk; and whether he will introduce new scales of compensation more commensurate with the present cost of replacement.

Mr. Alexander

The scales under which compensation is allowed to Naval officers for the loss of essential kit are adjusted from time to time in the light of current prices, and provided officers do not carry unnecessary quantities of kit, the sum allowed enables an officer to re-equip himself without financial hardship. All officers have been advised that it is in their own interest to insure against the loss of any kit which they may wish to carry over and above what is really necessary.

Sir A. Southby

Will the right hon. Gentleman look particularly into the scales of compensation in the cases of officers doing the work of commodore of convoy, which scales do not cover their losses when their ships are lost?

Mr. Alexander

I know of no case which has been brought to our notice in which that claim is made but I will look into any case in which it is felt that hardship has arisen.

Commander Galbraith

Could the right hon. Gentleman say why the scales of compensation are kept as confidential and why officers are not informed of how the amounts payable to them are made up?

Mr. Alexander

I think a complete and full explanation was made to officers in an Admiralty Fleet Order which was issued in 1941.