Mrs. Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Lionel William King has not been given particulars in regard to the assessor who will be considering his claim for compensation, the steps which he should take in acquainting the assessor of the details of his claim, and the probable period which will elapse before a decision is made; and why an interim payment to Mr. King has been refused, unless he undertakes to adhere to the recommendation of the assessor.
§ Mr. BrookeThe solicitors acting for Mr. King have been informed of the procedure for seekingex gratia payments, and I am awaiting a detailed claim from them. His Honour W. K. Carter, Q.C., has agreed to act as the independent assessor who will advise me on the claim, which will be determined as quickly as possible. In accordance with normal practice, it will be a condition of any ex gratia payment that Mr. King should forgo any claim arising out of his arrest, prosecution and imprisonment. I could not make an interim payment except on this understanding.