HC Deb 26 October 1953 vol 518 cc2422-3
23. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Mr. F. P. Barry, whose wife was killed on 7th March, 1952, and who was himself seriously injured in Scotland Road, Liverpool, has had to live on National Health Insurance and supplementary National Assistance benefit since the date of the accident and, as the accident was due to an American Service man, if he will take steps to hasten legal action in cases of this sort; and, in particular, in this case.

Mr. Nutting

I understand that this case concerns a private claim against a member of the United States Air Force who was off duty at the time of the accident. It is not a matter in which Her Majesty's Government can take official action, but if the hon. Lady will send me further details I shall be glad to look into the case and to consider whether there is any action I can take on an unofficial basis.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that these matters and the arrangements with reference to them, particularly in relation to accidents arising out of the actions of American Service men in this country, are giving rise to great concern to all those who have anything to do with legal proceedings? It is one which obviously needs further consideration, so that people will not have to live on National Assistance while waiting for claims to be settled?

Mr. Nutting

As the hon. Lady knows, there are two methods of procedure in this case. One is a civil claim in the British courts, although there is no British criminal jurisdiction over members of the American forces off duty. The alternative is to submit a claim to the United States Claims Commission. It was the latter type of action which I had in mind when I said that I would be glad to look into the matter to see whether I could do anything to help.

Mrs. Braddock

In view of the length of time taken for this case to be considered, and as an offer was made only after a Question appeared on the Order Paper of the House of Commons, does the hon. Gentleman not think that something further needs to be done? The whole matter needs to be looked into, because it is causing concern and disaffection is being created among the British public towards American Service men in this country.

Mr. Nutting

Be that as it may, I have offered to do my best to help the hon. Lady with the case she has in mind.

Mr. S. Silverman

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if only this unfortunate man had happened to be a Japanese, the matter could have been dealt with in the courts in the ordinary way?