§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether claims have been received from George Keay and crew, of Cellardyke, of the steam drifter SN. 297, "Redvers Buller," North Shields, for £4, and from James Muir and crew, Cellardyke, of the steam drifter SN. 268, "Baden Powell," North Shields, for £5 10s. for nets or gear destroyed on Thursday, 18th July, by His Majesty's gunboats, about forty miles East by South of the Tyne; and, if so, whether he can expedite the settlement of these claims, which have been pending for six months?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe claims have been received. Inquiries are complete in the case of the "Redvers Buller," and payment of compensation will shortly be made. It cannot, at present, be established that the damage to the gear of the "Baden Powell" was caused by His Majesty's ships, and further investigation will be necessary before the claim can be decided.