§ 22. Mr. Digbyasked the Secretary of State for War the amount normally paid to a contractor for demolishing an ordinary military pillbox which is no longer required.
§ Mr. LawsonIt would be impossible to state the cost of demolition without particulars of the site and type of construction, but removal by Army contract does not usually arise. Being under no statutory obligation to remove the pillboxes, the Department normally discharges its liability by the payment of compensation under Section 3(4) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. That payment is assessed on the amount by which the pillbox depreciates the value of the land on which it stands, and not on the estimated cost of removal.
§ Mr. DigbyIs it not a fact that some contractors are being paid £50 for removing one small pillbox?
§ Mr. LawsonI could not say, Sir.