Mr. A. HENDERSON, Junr.,asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a large Dumber of British seamen have been deprived of their right to compensation in respect of effects lost through enemy action during the Great War, while serving in British ships, by reason of their claims not having been filed before June, 1924; and whether he will consider extending the said date to enable such claims to be filed?
Mr. PET H I C K-LAWR EN C EThe final date originally fixed for the presentation of claims in respect of damage by enemy action was February, 1922. The extended date of 1st June, 1924, was advertised with the widest possible publicity, and I fear that it is impossible to depart from the decision of successive Governments that claims received after this extended date cannot be considered.
Mr. HENDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the fact that a number of alien seamen who lost their effects through enemy action during the Great War while serving in British ships have not received any compensation in respect of such loss; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe grants made from moneys voted by Parliament in respect of damage by enemy action were expressly limited to British nationals, and claims by alien seamen were therefore rejected. The grant of compensation to such seamen is a matter for their own Governments, and I do not consider that any action in the matter is called for on the part of His Majesty's Government.