§ 32. Mr. Petherickasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will institute an inquiry into the present system of naval expenses claims, under which not only do long delays occur in settlement but all claims are cut without the claimant being informed of the reason or having any right of appeal.
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)As the reply is rather long I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ All claims for naval expenses which can be settled by the local naval authorities are paid by them. Only those not clearly covered by Regulations are referred to headquarters. These necessarily take longer to settle. The problem has been aggravated by shortage of experienced staff and a recent removal of the Department concerned. Further inquiries are sometimes necessary and may be prolonged owing to ships' movements. A reasonable sum will always be advanced, pending final settlement, to prevent hardship. I cannot agree that all claims are reduced and that claimants are not informed of the reasons when reductions are made. In a large majority of cases explanations are volunteered, and in all cases can be obtained on request. An appeal that the regulations are operating harshly will always receive consideration. All practicable steps to avoid delay in the settlement of claims are being taken, and I do not consider that there is necessity for a special inquiry.