§ Mr. ALFRED DAVIES (Clitheroe)asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the reason for the delay in paying naval gratuities and prize money; whether he is aware that thousands of sailors are still awaiting payment; and whether he will take steps to expedite settlement of these claims?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs regards war gratuities, no delay is taking place in the payments to men already discharged during the War or demobilised, except in a very limited number of cases in which, owing to the absence of certain particulars, difficulty is arising in establishing the proper amount payable, etc. Of the very many thousands of men discharged and demobilised who are entitled to this gratuity, comparatively few cases are remaining unpaid, and the investment of the gratuities in the bulk of these instances 1783W will be authorised in sufficient time to permit of the savings bank book being delivered to the man at the end of his dispersal leave. The war gratuities to men of the permanent Naval Service are not due until the prescribed terminating date of the qualifying war period has been reached. Meanwhile, of course, increments of war gratuity are being earned.
As regards prize money, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 5th March last, a copy of which I am sending him.