§ Mr. C. WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will ascertain the circumstances under which the Admiralty seriously damaged a fishing-boat belonging to Mr. George Kirkpatrick, Longhope, Orkney, and when such damage occurred; and if he will have the boat surveyed by an independent authority and payment made in respect thereof?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty do not admit liability for damage sustained by Mr. Kirkpatrick's boat and are consequently unable to agree to a survey being made of the damage. They are prepared, however, to pay Mr. Kirkpatrick,ex gratiaand without prejudice, a sum of £20 in full settlement of his claim, and this fact was intimated to his solicitor in October last.