HC Deb 03 May 1950 vol 474 cc1683-5
40. Sir H. Williams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how much of the prize money is still to be distributed; and the causes of its delay in its distribution.

Mr. W. Edwards

Since 1st June last, 533,000 claims amounting to nearly £3 million have been paid out of the £4 million naval prize fund. Fewer than 50,000 claims, including nearly 20,000 from the next-of-kin of deceased officers and men which require special investigation, are at present in hand. I cannot agree that there has been any delay in distribution, but if the hon. Member will inform me of any specific cases which he has in mind I shall be glad to have them investigated.

It is estimated that about 80,000 eligible persons have not yet made a claim. These should write to the Director of Navy Accounts, Branch 3B, at Bath, for the necessary application form. I wish to stress that the only persons who have not yet received prize money, but who may be entitled are former members of the Naval and Marine Forces, of the Maritime Regiment (Royal Artillery), and other former members of the crews of H.M. ships-of-war who performed 180 days' service at sea as defined in the Royal Proclamation, copies of which are exhibited at post office:. The next-ofkin of such qualified persons and of those who were killed in action or lost their lives at sea before completing 180 days' sea service are also entitled to claim.

Mr. Somerville Hastings

When relatives of deceased men make claims for prize money are their claims acknowledged by the Admiralty, or do they have to go on applying again and again?

Mr. Edwards

I could not say whether they are acknowledged, but I do know that some people are continually writing and complaining because they do not get a reply every time they write. That helps to bring about a delay, if any delays at all are caused.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that they do not even get acknowledgements of their letters, and that I have a case before me now in which application has been made four times without any acknowledgement whatever that the letter has been received? Will he please look into that?

Mr. Edwards

Yes, but despite all that I think it can be agreed by the House as a whole that the distribution has gone off very well indeed. I ask hon. Members themselves to discourage people from writing, because it does not help matters.

Mrs. Middleton

Can my hon. Friend give the House any indication of the date by which these claims are likely to be settled? Hon. Members on both sides of the House, particularly those representing naval ports, are getting considerable correspondence about it.

Mr. Edwards

That does not arise out of this Question, but I am certain that if my hon. Friend will look at the OFFICIAL REPORT she will find that the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble) put down a Question to that effect which was answered recently.