§ 9. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements are now being made for the widow of Dr. Chatterton-Hill, a British subject, who died of starvation in the British sector of Berlin on 12th January, 1947.
§ Mr. BevinMrs. Chatterton-Hill was brought to this country by air on the 19th February, 1947. She has since been accommodated at a hostel in Renfrewshire administered by the Department of Health for Scotland. I am now considering the question of an ex gratia payment to her.
§ Mr. StokesAs I first brought this case to the attention of my right hon. Friend a year ago, and as no satisfactory solution has yet been found, can he say whether, as this lady's husband, who was a British subject, was left to die through the incompetence of British officials in Berlin, he really thinks it satisfactory to let the thing drift on in this way, and not make the widow a generous provision?
§ Mr. BevinI acknowledge that the treatment was not what it ought to have been. On the other hand, the House must understand that this man did work for the Germans.
§ Mr. StokesThat is all very well. It is most unfair, because has not my right hon. Friend already decided that this man was not guilty of treason, and was, therefore, exonerated? He cannot have it both ways. If the man was exonerated, the widow should be properly looked after. She is not being looked after; she is being neglected. May I have an answer? If I cannot get an answer I wish to inform my right hon. Friend that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, and circulate the report in full to hon. Members of this House.