HC Deb 29 January 1947 vol 432 cc919-20
15. Mr. Driberg

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in view of Mr. Justice Pilcher 's judgment that negligence on board H.M.S. "Curacoa" was responsible for the collision on 2nd October, 1942, between this anti-aircraft cruiser and the "Queen Mary," what arrangements are being made to compensate the relatives of those killed in this disaster.

Mr. Dugdale

Pensions and allowances have been awarded by the Ministry of Pensions to the dependants of those who lost their lives in H.M.S. "Curacoa," at the rates laid down in the Order in Council governing the award of pensions to the dependants of men killed in the war.

Mr. Driberg

Could my hon. Friend say whether these pensions and allowances have been paid to the relatives throughout the very long waiting period, during which they were, after all, encouraged by the Treasury solicitors themselves to expect that some special compensation would be forthcoming?

Mr. Dugdale

So far as I know, they have, but I will look into the point and make certain