§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he has received a statement of account from Robert Dowell Garson, O.B.E., J.P., merchant, Lerwick, for damages to his property on 12th April caused by the Admiralty permitting smoking where they had stored high explosives; and that, although all the facts are admitted, even to the admiral commandeering the premises after they had been put in some repair and taking up his residence there, without even paying a penny of rent; and if he will cause inquiry to be made and ascertain why repeated letters and applications fail to meet with any reply?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAClaims in respect of the damage caused by the explosion at 2147W Lerwick in April, 1915, have been received from Mr. R. D. Ganson, among others. The Admiralty were advised that they were under no legal liability for the damage, but made an ex gratia Grant-in-Aid which was distributed by the Local Government Board for Scotland on behalf of the Admiralty pro rata to the actual damage sustained by the several inhabitants who suffered loss by the accident and rent has been fixed for part of the premises belonging to Mr. Ganson, and this has been paid up to the 22nd May. Steps will be taken to expedite a further payment on account of these premises and a settlement of the rent of the remainder. Mr. Ganson was informed that the Admiralty could make no further payment on account of the damage in February, and again in March last.