§ Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the sorrow and distress caused to Mr. John D. Scott, of Denny, Stirlingshire, by his receipt of an official intimation of his 2445W son's death at Hong Kong; that this information has turned out to be unfounded; whether he has taken steps to ensure that greater care will be taken in future to ascertain the accuracy of information as to fatalities among men serving in Hong Kong before such information is telegraphed to their relatives; and whether it is proposed to reimburse Mr. Scott for any expense he has incurred by the erroneous message telegraphed to him?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI am aware of the circumstances of this case and I greatly regret the distress which Mr. Scott and his family have been caused owing to a confusion of similar names. I can assure the hon. Member that every possible step is, and will be, taken to eliminate the risk of mistakes of this kind. As regards the last part of the question I will certainly consider favourably any claim which may be received from Mr. Scott.