§ 27. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary for War whether he can state the terms on which the common lands on which the Witley Camps, in Surrey, have been established have been taken over; what sums, if any, have been paid to holders of manorial rights, or what sums are so due or payable, and to whom are such sums paid; for how many years have the lands been acquired; and whether any recompense has been made, or will be made, to those who have common rights in the commons on which Witley Camps have been established?
§ Mr. FORSTERThese commons were taken over at an early stage of the War under emergency powers. No compensation has been paid to the Lords of the Manor who generously agreed that the Department should have the use of the 1353 commons during the present national emergency without payment. The War Department, on the other hand, agreed that, on the cessation of military user, the grounds should be reinstated as nearly as possible to its former condition, and that compensation should be paid to commoners who suffered substantial monetary loss.
§ Mr. FORSTERI think so.