HC Deb 13 May 1915 vol 71 cc1808-9
52. Colonel LOCKWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can fix any date for the payment of damages to small landowners and farmers who have been deprived of their living through the military operations carried out on the land in their occupation?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. H. Baker)

I understand that the Royal Commission propose to consider these cases immediately and to dispose of them as rapidly as circumstances admit.

Colonel LOCKWOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many small farmers are almost penniless through these claims not being paid?

Mr. BAKER

I believe that the Royal Commission is going to consider them this week.

Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERY

What is the machinery to be adopted in assessing the value of the claims?

Mr. BAKER

That will be for the Royal Commission to determine.