§ 7. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the President of the Board of Trade what compensation for loss of property in Burma during the Japanese invasion is to be paid to civil officers; and when such compensation may be expected to be forthcoming.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI am not at present in a position to add to the answer I gave on 16th December last to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett).
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that civil officers especially and a good many military officers, lost all their possessions including their household goods and have had to replace them where they could replace them at all these days, at post-war prices? Is it not wholly reasonable that these loyal servants of the Crown who have suffered so much in the service of this country and the Empire should be fully compensated at a very early date?
§ Mr. WilsonAs the hon. and gallant Gentleman will know from a previous answer which I gave on this subject, it is proposed to extend benefits on the lines of the United Kingdom private chattels scheme to British subjects who have sustained losses in these territories.
§ Sir G. JeffreysThese losses occurred several years ago. Why should there be any further delay in settling this matter?
§ Mr. WilsonThe delay is in working out the arrangements which have recently been announced.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that I put down a similar Question some six months ago and got exactly the same answer? Will he remember that a great deal of hardship and discomfort is being suffered by these unfortunate people?
§ Mr. WilsonThe hon. and gallant Member could not have got the same answer on that occasion.
§ Brigadier HeadDoes the Minister recall that I put down the same Question two years ago?