asked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the second officer of the steamer "Ellora," whose certificate was wrongly suspended for a period of six months; and whether, in view of the loss sustained by the officer concerned, steps will be taken to compensate him out of public funds;

(2) If he is able to explain the delay which made it impossible to bring the case before the appeal court until six months had elapsed from the date of the suspension of the officer's certificate of the second officer of the steamer "Ellora"?

So far as my information goes, the case does not appear to be one in which compensation could be granted, but my right hon. Friend would, of course, be willing to consider any representations the officer concerned may make. I presume that question 22 refers to the fact that the report of the inquiry in India did not reach this country until four months after the date of the inquiry. An inquiry is being made as to the cause of the delay.