§ Mr. Muffasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any settlement has been made with the Spanish Government to grant compensation to those who were killed on H.M.S. "Hunter," on 13th May, 1937; and whether the sum of£2,000 claimed by His Majesty's Government has now been paid.
§ Mr. George HallThis is only one of many claims arising out of the Spanish Civil War. The outbreak of the present war interfered with the preparation and presentation of these claims, which would have imposed a disproportionate strain upon the depleted staffs of the various Departments concerned. The matter has not, however, been overlooked and it is intended to press this and other connected claims as soon as this is practicable. The delay in presenting this claim has not entailed any personal hardship, as the dependants and the injured parties had already, in 1939, received the compensation to which they were entitled under the Naval regulations.