HC Deb 18 February 1924 vol 169 c1369W
Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. A. Watson, who emigrated to Peru in 1920, and was repatriated to this country at the expense of the British Government owing to himself and his family becoming destitute; is he aware that this man is now being called upon to repay the cost of his repatriation; that the man's weekly earnings are only £2 10s. a week; that his rent is 9s. 6d.; that he has a wife and child to maintain; and whether, in these circumstances, he will ask the Treasury to remit all further payments?

The PRIME MINISTER

Inquiry in regard to Mr. Watson's financial circumstances is already being made. Pending an improvement in those circumstances, recovery of the sum owing by him is not being pressed.