§ 51. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister is he is now in a position to make a statement on the circumstances in which Commander Crabb disappeared in Portsmouth Harbour.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no statement to make on this subject.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Prime Minister aware that after the inquest the solicitor representing the Crabb family stated that Commander Crabb had died in the service of his country? Does the Prime Minister accept that view and, if he does, will he take steps to see that an appropriate pension is issued to the widow in addition to the solitary ex gratia payment of £10 which has so far been made?
§ The Prime MinisterI will look into the second part of the hon. Member's supplementary question. I am not informed about it. As to making a further statement on the circumstances. I am afraid that I must stand on the position taken by my predecessor in the debate on 14th May last year.
§ Mr. RankinWill the Prime Minister reply to my question? Does he believe that the statement by the solicitor that Commander Crabb died in the service of his country was correct?
§ The Prime MinisterIt would be wrong for me to add anything to the statements made by my predecessor in this matter.