asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what compensation it is proposed to pay to the widows and orphans of the officers and men lost as a result of the sinking of H.M.S. "Saumarez" and H.M.S. "Volage" off Corfu; and whether the amounts will be augmented to widows with no families, in view of the circumstances of the sinkings.

Mr. Dugdale:

Pensions have been awarded by the Ministry of Pensions to-the widows and orphans of the officer and men who lost their lives in these ships in accordance with the rates laid down in the Order in Council of 4th June, 1946.

Am I to understand from that reply that there will be no augmentation in view of the circumstances of the sinkings?

Mr. Dugdale:

That is quite another question. Quite apart from anything else, the whole question of compensation which we may or may not receive from Albania has been submitted to the United Nations.

But, Mr. Speaker, that was my original Question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether all the pensions have already been paid without unnecessary application and the filling in of forms, and so on?

Mr. Dugdale:

Yes, Sir.