§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a claim for reparation for loss of effects through enemy action from Mr. Norman MacSween, 9, Luerbost, Lochs, Stornoway, in the island of Lewis, which, owing to the irregular mail service between the Western Isles and the mainland, only reached London on the 2nd June; and, having regard to the date on which this application was forwarded, is he prepared to register it as a belated claim, and deal with it accordingly?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe only intimation of a claim by Mr. Norman MacSween was contained in a letter from him dated 2nd June, and received on 5th June. The envelope covering the letter bears the Post Office stamp "Stornoway, 5.5 p.m. 3rd June." In the circumstances the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has given full consideration to the registered belated application in respect of the late Quartermaster Macaskill, of Berneray, Loehmaddy, for loss of life by enemy action; whether he has arrived at a definite decision; and, in view of the circumstances that have arisen as a result of this loss of life, is he prepared to take the necessary steps to offer some recompense to the dependants?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe claim lodged with the reparation claims department by Mr. Murdo Macaskill in respect of the death of his brother, Quartermaster Macaskill, has been fully considered; and, for the reasons given to the hon. Member in the letter of 18th March from that department, I have no power to make any award in this case.