HC Deb 25 October 1932 vol 269 cc800-2
22. Mr. RHYS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances attending the termination of the lease of the remount depot at Chiddingfold, Surrey; whether he is aware that the War Office did not carry out its obligation to give vacant possession to the owner; and whether it has been found possible to re-employ any of the late staff?

Mr. COOPER

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the facts of this case. The services of the men in occupation of the cottages on this estate were not required after 15th July, and when they refused to vacate the cottages as required, the Army authorities, having ceased to hold the lease of the property on 17th July, were not in a legal position to take eviction proceedings, and could only offer to refund the costs incurred by the owner to secure vacant possession. It has only been possible to re-employ one of the men who were discharged.

Mr. RHYS

Can my hon. Friend say how much notice these men were given that their employment would be terminated? Does lie not think that action of this kind does not encourage individuals to assist the War Office?

Mr. COOPER

I cannot say without notice what notice was given. I cannot see what the War Office could have done other than what they did. They could not evict these men because they were no longer the landlord of the cottages, and they offered to pay all the expenses of the landlord in getting them evicted.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Is it not the duty of the War Office to hand over any building they may hire or rent in the same condition in which it was received?

Mr. COOPER

Yes, but in this case it, was impossible. The War Office handed them over in the state in which they were originally received, except that these men refused to move, and were not removed, from the cottages they were occupying. They offered to pay all the expenses the landlord may incur in having them evicted.

Mr. RHYS

My hon. Friend will appreciate the fact that the owner;s incurring a good deal of odium by having to take action which in equity the War Office should take.

Mr. COOPER

It was impossible for the War Office to take action against these men, they had no locus standi.