asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how soon the hon. Member for Maldon may expect a final reply to his letter of 18th December, 1946, regarding a claim arising from the death of Frau Elisabeth Rolfes, in reply to which the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster advised him on 30th January that the authorities were very much concerned that no time be lost in making the necessary arrangements for such claims to be investigated; and whether such arrangements have now been made.

Mr. McNeil:

I regret the delay in dealing with this case, but His Majesty's Government have been anxious to produce an equitable and workable scheme to cover not only this case but all similar ones. I hope, in about a fortnight's time, to be able to announce the details of a panel for dealing with such claims, the subjects which can be brought before it, and the procedure to be followed in making and in settling such claims.