§ 25. Commander Nobleasked the Minister of Defence why Service Departments in Malaya are refusing to pay compensation for certain goods requisitioned in 1941–42, on the ground that they were requisitioned for purposes of denial; what right of appeal there is against such decisions; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlexanderThe Service Departments do not accept liability for the payment of compensation in respect of goods requisitioned for denial from the enemy which are regarded as falling within the category of ordinary war damage losses. Claims in respect of such cases would be dealt with by the civil Government, and in this connection I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies on 23rd March last. Any decision of a Service Department, if regarded as unacceptable, can be tested in the courts.