Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that steamers owned by British subjects were seized by the Turks in the early stages of the War previous to time having elapsed for communications to be sent to London to insure the same against war risks; whether he is aware that this has entailed hardship upon such British owners; and whether the Government are prepared to make reparation now instead of waiting until after the cessation of hostilities?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this question. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the cases he refers to, I will look into them, but if the steamers were not covered under the Government insurance scheme, it is, I am afraid, impossible to grant compensation from public funds.