HC Deb 14 July 1924 vol 176 c48W
Sir F. WISE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will state, in regard to the electric submarine net invention, why does the Government differentiate between the out-of-pocket expenses of Mr. Albert Close, the Canadian, and the out-of-pocket expenses of Mr. De Mole, the Australian, who was paid £987?

Mr. AMMON

I have been asked to reply. The claim of Mr. Close was investigated by the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors, and the Admiralty have no control over its awards. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, on the 7th May the expenses of Mr. De Mole were paid in consequence of a recommendation made in wholly exceptional circumstances by the Royal Commission who have made no such recommendation in favour of Mr. Close.