HC Deb 24 October 1916 vol 86 cc944-5
69. Mr. INGLEBY

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the military representatives have taken advantage of the state of affairs prevailing at Lowestoft to hire empty premises at half the usual rent; and, if so, whether, seeing that the existing depression is due to acts of war, he can see his way to instruct the military representatives to pay such a rent as the premises would have been fairly worth in normal circumstances?

Mr. FORSTER

Rents of buildings occupied for military purposes during the War at Lowestoft, as elsewhere, are based upon the actual loss sustained by the owner owing to the military occupation of the property. I can hold out no hope of departing from this principle.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the War Office can get accommodation for nothing; that they can take a man's house, occupy it, and pay no rent?

Mr. FORSTER

Failing agreement as to the amount properly payable, the owner of the property can take his case before the Commission on Losses.

Mr. ASHLEY

That is not an answer to my question. Is it not the fact that the Government can take an empty house, use it, and pay no rent?

Mr. FORSTER

We do not take it on the basis of rent; we take it on the basis of loss. The hon. Member knows quite well that the Commission was appointed in order to deal with these cases.