15. Mr. DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a claim for compensation in regard to the military occupation of Chapman's Yard, Northumberland Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne; whether the amount of the claim has been mutually agreed upon between Mr. Chapman and the Director-General of Lands; whether the matter has now been in abeyance for nearly two years; whether repeated applications by Mr. Chapman have met with no response and numerous letters have remained unanswered; and if he will see that this admitted claim is promptly paid.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am informed that a claim in this case has been received, which includes items for rent, dilapidations and loss of profits, but the figures are not agreed by the Department, and the claim has therefore to be referred to the War Compensation Court. It is expected that it will be placed before the court for hearing within the next fourteen days. I understand that it was not until the 5th July, 1920, that Mr. Chapman submitted his claim in proper form, and that no letters from Mr. Chapman have remained unanswered so far as the War Office is concerned.