§ 16. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in spite of assurances given in April, 1942, no compensation has yet been paid to officials of the Colonial Service who suffered war damage in British Somaliland in 1940; that replacement costs have risen and are rising; and what action he proposes to take, and when.
Mr. Creech JonesThe question of war damage compensation in British Somaliland is being considered with claims from all Colonial territories where war damage occurred. It is under inter-Departmental examination. I regret that I am not yet able to say when a statement can be made.
§ Mr. FraserAs two and a half years have elapsed since the end of the war, surely inter-Departmental consideration should have reached some climax by now?
Mr. Creech JonesI am very anxious about this matter, and will do all in my power to speed up a decision.