§ 32. Mr. Braineasked the President of the Board of Trade how many payments have so far been made in respect of claims for loss of personal effects submitted by civilians who went to Malaya and Hong Kong after 3rd September, 1939, and who subsequently fell into Japanese hands.
Mr. H. WilsonPayments so far made to persons shown by our records to have been interned total 335 in the case of losses in Malaya, and 241 in the case of losses in Hong Kong. It is not possible to say how many of these persons went to the territories concerned before or after 3rd September, 1939.
§ Mr. BraineIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of people who put in claims for the period mentioned have not yet had them settled? Is he further aware that some four years have elapsed since the claims could be submitted, and does he not think the Government have been extremely dilatory in effecting settlement in cases where people have suffered hardship at the hands of the Japanese?
Mr. WilsonNo, Sir. There have been many difficulties in settling them. I can assure the hon. Member that the rate of settlement is now going on much more quickly. There is another Question on the Order Paper relating to the speed of settlement.