§ 55. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Government Departments which have requisitioned private houses and other properties for war purposes have, in many cases, failed to do the ordinary year to year maintenance work, outside painting, inside painting, pointing, etc., which would have been done had the property not been requisitioned; that this failure has substantially increased the deterioration of such properties while in Government occupation; and whether, in assessing fair wear and tear under the Defence (Compensation) Act, 1939, for assessing compensation payable to owners when such properties are relinquished, this factor will be taken into account.
§ Sir J. AndersonI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3rd October. Due regard will also be given to damage caused by failure to carry out necessary maintenance.