4. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the frequent failure of the military authorities on requisitioning properties, and in the periods when properties are not occupied, to take any steps to protect or safeguard such properties, with the consequence of deterioration and theft which later will be borne by public expense; and will he take steps to remedy this?
§ Captain MargessonExisting instructions provide for the employment of caretakers to protect empty properties from deterioration or theft. I am aware that these instructions were not always carried out in the exceptional conditions prevailing last summer, but I have no reason to think that there is any widespread failure to comply with them now. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.
Mr. Creech JonesI shall be glad to give the right hon. and gallant Gentleman certain instances, but may I ask him whether he will strengthen the instructions with a view to seeing that they are carried out?
§ Captain MargessonMost certainly instructions must be carried out, and I think if they were carried out there would be no complaints.