§ 35. Mr. Skinnardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has yet received in a common form returns from all Empire Prize Courts; and whether he can now give an estimate of the amount of prize money available, and when grants can be made.
The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. John Dug-dale)No, Sir. Complete returns have not yet been received and cannot be expected for some time in view of the complexity of the position in some Dominions. Until the returns have been received in a final form it is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the amount of prize money available. For the same reason I am unable to make any forecast of when the grants can be made. Approval has been given, however, to the inclusion of a Prize Bill among the Bills which it is hoped will be taken later in this Session.
§ Commander NobleIn view of the large number of people interested in this decision, will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that everything possible will be done to expedite it?
Mr. DugdaleCertainly, but I have made it clear we are not the only people concerned. All the Dominions are concerned.
§ Major BruceDoes my hon. Friend realise that this has been going on for two years and will he give some more definite information concerning the date by which the Bill will be introduced?
Mr. DugdaleI certainly cannot. I have stated today that the Bill will be introduced, and that is something.