HC Deb 28 October 1918 vol 110 cc1119-20W
Mr. CRUMLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will award compensation to those persons who lost personal effects on the steamer "Leinster" recently torpedoed in the Irish Sea?

Mr. CLANCY

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to make any provision for the widows and orphans of the officers and crew, of the postal servants, and of others who lost their lives in the sinking of the "Leinster" on the 10th instant in the Irish Sea, in view especially of the fact that the Government refused to give any sort of protection to the mail boat in question on that occasion?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is not the practice to compensate from public funds private persons, who are, of course, able to insure, in respect of losses resulting from enemy action at sea, but special schemes are already in existence to meet the cases of widows and orphans of the officers and crew, and of the postal servants.