§ 48. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, under the present provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act and Orders in Council, the War Office are able to acquire land and buildings for military purposes and themselves decide whether any and, if so, how much compensation should be paid to the tenant or owner of the premises; and, in view of the undesirability of a Government Department acting in the dual capacity of judge and defendant, he will arrange for a third party, who is in no way interested, to decide what compensation should be paid?
Mr. BAKERThe position is as stated in the first part of the hon. Member's question. As regards the latter part, the matter is at present under consideration.