§ 55 and 134. Captain GANZONIasked (1) the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of De Keyser's Hotel, the Government will now accept the principle that persons whose property has been occupied or damaged under the Defence of the Realm Act should be paid fair and reasonable compensation as a matter of right; (2) the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of De Keyser's Hotel, he can now instruct the Defence of the Realm Royal Losses Commission to award compensation for the use of and damage to private property taken by the Department at Felixstowe; or what, steps he intends to take in the matter?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Gordon Hewart)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The decision referred to in the question is the subject of an appeal to the House of Lords, and in these circumstances I cannot make any further statement upon the matter.
§ Sir D. MACLEANCan my right hon. Friend tell me, in view of the very great interest which is taken in this matter, when the case is at all likely to come before the House of Lords?
§ Sir G. HEWARTNo, Sir, I cannot, but there will be no avoidable delay.