§ Captain BERKELEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, 280W with reference to the claim that has been made by Mr. S. T. Boultby, of Nottingham, for compensation in respect of damages caused by an air raid on the 1st April, 1916, at 79, Victor Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, he is aware that Mr. Boultby was at that time a serving soldier, was later invalided out of the Army, and, owing to disability, has been unable to resume his pre-war occupation; and whether, in view of the special circumstances, he will expedite the decision upon this man's claim?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the last part, the claim is among the property claims now under consideration by the Royal Corn-mission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, but it will not be possible to make the payment to Mr. Boultby which may be recommended by the Commission until after the presentation of the Report of the Commission on Property Claims.
§ Sir JOHN PENNEFATHERasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take in regard to the belated reparation claims of members of the mercantile marine and their dependants?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action has not yet delivered its final report. Every effort has been made to facilitate the expedition of its work by increasing the staff of the Reparations Claims Department and by pressing on the examination of the great number of claims in every way possible. As soon as the Royal Commission has reported all the claims approved by it will be paid forthwith.