HC Deb 02 February 1943 vol 386 cc753-4
59. Captain W. T. Shaw

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why claims for lands and buildings requisitioned in Scotland under the Compensation Defence Act, 1939, are being dealt with by the Treasury solicitors in London and not by the Treasury solicitors in Edinburgh, as the procedure adopted is causing delay in the settlement of Scottish claims?

Sir K. Wood

By Rule 30 of the Compensation (Defence) General Tribunal Rules, 1939, the Tribunal may order proceedings and the hearing of a reference relating to land situated in Scotland to take place in Scotland, but such an order can only be made after the filing of the answer of the authority or owner, as the case may be. The result is that every case must start at the Registry in London and there is no power to transfer any case Until the answer is filed. I cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's contention that this procedure causes delay.