21. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of 560 the hardship which is being caused by the Government delay in paying rentals for property requisitioned by the War Office authorities under the Defence Act, 1939; and whether he will take steps to curtail these delays?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware that a large number of claims for compensation in respect of requisitioned property remain to be settled; the staff engaged on this work have been largely increased and are still increasing, and they have been instructed that the completion of agreements is their most important task. There is provision for making payments on account where delay in reaching settlements is causing hardship; I have given instructions that such payments must be made without delay.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware that the non-payment of rentals due is a very serious matter to many people in all parts of the country, and does he not think it would be better to get away from this "This week, next week, sometime, never "attitude and get the matter settled without further delay?
§ Mr. StanleyThat is exactly why I have given instructions that payment should be made and why the matter is to be pressed forward with the utmost celerity; but it must be realised that, although the matter is urgent, one warts fairness in the settlement both to the persons whose property has been taken and to the Government.