§ 32. Mr. William Teelingasked the Secretary of State for War in view of the fact that his Department has only been authorised to settle the claims for loss of effects in Burma of officers and men who were serving overseas in the British 1952 Regular Army on 3rd September, 1939, what is being done as regards compensation for loss of effects for those who went overseas after that date.
§ Mr. M. StewartCompensation for the loss of effects in Burma by officers and men of the British Regular Army has not been limited to those serving overseas on 3rd September, 1939. In the case of those who proceeded overseas during the War compensation has, however, been limited to the clothing, kit and equipment appropriate to active service.
§ Mr. TeelingCan the hon. Gentleman tell us why it has been limited to that amount? Many officers and men have lost considerably more of their own effects, such as cameras. Is that likely to be included in the £10 million for private and business firms in Burma, which is about to appear in the Supplementary Estimate?
§ Mr. StewartThis is not a matter which affects Burma alone. If the persons concerned proceeded overseas after the commencement of the war, it made it not unreasonable that the compensation should be limited to equipment appropriate to active service.
§ Mr. TeelingIs nothing at all to be done for the people who have been told in letters from the hon. Gentleman's Department that other Departments are dealing with the matter? Is anybody dealing with the matter?
§ Mr. StewartI have already explained the arrangement which is being made. There is the possibility of considering whether we ought to take the date of the beginning of the Japanese War rather than of 3rd September, 1939.
§ Mr. TeelingWe are now in 1949.