§ Sir L. LYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications to the Reparation Claims Department have been scheduled as belated because the forms filled up and sent in by applicants long before the final date for the receipt of such applications were not received by the Department; whether the Department will accept a sworn statement that such forms were sent in; and is he aware that in every case, owing to postal shortcomings or organisation defects in his own Department, the decision is always given against the sender?
Mr. WEBBAs to the first part of the question, 74 cases have been traced. As to the second and third parts, the decision in each case is that of the Royal Commission and not of the Reparation Claims Department. The Board of Trade do not interfere with the Royal Commission decisions.
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§ Mr. BECKERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will reconsider the case of the son of Mr. Brand, 15, Powed Court, Richmond, who is penalised for life through injuries received during an air raid during the War and has only received £215 in all; and can a further grant be made to provide for this unfortunate boy?
Mr. WEBBThe sums paid were those recommended by the Royal Commission, after careful consideration. The award is final, and I am afraid that it cannot be reconsidered.