§ 80. Mr. W. Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that under the Defence (Compensation) Act of 1939, no basis of compensation is laid down in respect of growing timber; and on what basis Government Departments pay compensation in respect of growing timber?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)As the answer is somewhat long, I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The practice of Departments in payment of compensation for growing timber is as follows:
§ Where land is requisitioned on which there is growing timber, the presence of that timber will normally be reflected in the rent payable under Section 2 (1, a) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. If any of the timber is severed subsequent to the requisition, compensation would be paid when possession of the land is relinquished under Section 2 (1, b) of the Act, which provides for the payment of the cost of making good any damage to the land 2107 which may have occurred during the period for which possession thereof is retained. Alternatively, Departments have, in suitable cases, negotiated an immediate settlement with the owner for the purchase of the timber as standing timber. Where growing timber has been severed under Defence Regulation 50, which provides for the doing of work on land, it has been the practice to deal with the matter under Section 3 (3, b) of the Act by payment of a lump sum as compensation.