§ 16. Mr. A. R. W. Lowasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the claim made by the owner of the Northcliffe Hotel, Blackpool, which was derequisitioned in 1946, for compensation following the removal and damage of the building and the furniture, has not yet been settled; and what steps he proposes to take in settlement of the claim, so that financial hardship should not he incurred.
§ Mr. KeyThe compensation in respect of the damage to the building was settled and paid in November, 1946. The subsequent claim for loss and damage to chattels was paid on 6th February, 1948. I regret that there was delay in arriving at a final settlement. A relatively small outstanding claim for expenses will be dealt with immediately.
§ Mr. LowCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the payment in respect of the chattels would have been made so quickly if I had not put down the Question?