44. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is now in a position to state on what public grounds the Admiralty have issued a notice to two gentlemen to vacate their house without any delay, affording them no time to find shelter elsewhere; and whether he is aware that Admiral Beck, when he confiscated practically all their small holding, promised that their house should be left intact?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)On the 5th February notice was given that possession of the premises in question would be required on the 28th February. This, perhaps, appears to be short notice, but in view of steps previously taken in the locality it must have been apparent to the parties affected that they might at any time be required to vacate in consequence of the growth of the naval establishment in question. My hon. Friend will be glad to know, however, that it has now been arranged to allow them to remain until 28th May, on which date, it has been ascertained, other 1254 accommodation will be available. It was hoped at the outset that it would be possible to avoid taking this and other houses, but no promise was given that this would not be done. The parties dispossessed may, of course, make a claim to the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Commission for any monetary loss they may suffer, and every assistance will be given to them in connection with the preparation of such claims.