HC Deb 13 November 1918 vol 110 cc2679-80
51. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the termination of hostilities, he will take such steps as may be necessary to give firms in the City of London and elsewhere whose works and warehouses are being commandeered by the Admiralty a right of appeal?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have been asked to answer this question. Any buildings and premises occupied by the Admiralty under the Defence of the Realm Act will be released as soon as the necessity for their use by the Crown disappears, but it will be clear to my hon. Friend that the cessation of hostilities does not permit of the immediate termination of many of the activities of the Admiralty. While occupation under the Defence of the Realm Act continues, the compensation to owners will continue to be settled by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, unless otherwise agreed.

Mr. TERRELL

Does my right hon. Friend understand that he has not answered my question at all? Is he aware that the Admiralty are still commandeering property? To-day they are taking proceedings to commandeer, now that hostilities have ceased.

Dr. MACNAMARA

That may very well be. I do not know the case. Of course, we do not commandeer in any case except in the public interest.

Mr. TERRELL

Will my right hon. Friend agree to owners of this property having the right of appeal to some independent party as to whether the property is really necessary?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I should like the case where commandeering is really taking place; perhaps my hon. Friend will give me that. Even from the point of view of our own convenience we want to get under our own roof as soon as possible.

Captain CARR-GOMM

Have the schemes been before the Cabinet Committee on Office Accommodation?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I understand all schemes have to be submitted to the Committee.