§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present position with regard to the claims made by the American packers against the Food Department, and the amount of 1576W such claims now outstanding; whether these claims have been before the Court of Arbitration and the Court of Appeal; and whether he will state the approximate cost, including salaries and accommodation of staff, incurred by forcing these claims through the Courts.
§ Sir B. CHADWICKOne of the claims came before an arbitrator, who gave his final award in September, 1925. The claimants unsuccessfully appealed to the Court of Appeal in March last. The time for appeal to the House of Lords has not yet expired. Another claim has been settled by negotiation, and the remainder are proceeding before the appropriate tribunal. The amount of the claims outstanding is £2,100,000. The approximate cost to date, including law charges, salaries and accommodation of staff, is £19,000.