§ 54. Mr. Muddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will reconsider his decision to charge the Cornwall County Council for clearance operations following the "Germania" incident; and if he will forward the £9,000 account to the ship's insurers.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThe Ministry of Defence has in the normal way charged for its services to the council in its clearance operations. This accounts for most of the total bill of some £9,000. My Department is contributing 50 per cent. of the cost falling on the county council, and in addition my right hon. and learned Friend is making no charge for a further £1,700 cost incurred by our officials in assisting the council.
I am writing to my hon. Friend about the liability of the ship's insurers.