§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the secondary school known as Deal School, at Deal, an 206W educational establishment of high character and of exceptional value to the district in which it is situate, is in danger of having to close entirely on account of the financial difficulties occasioned by air raids and other war conditions prevalent on the South-East Coast; that the master of the school has been informed by the Defence of the Realm War Losses Commission that they are forbidden by Government instructions to render assistance in cases of loss not caused by direct military interference; if he will make inquiry into the circumstances with a view to determining whether it would be in the public interest, as well as an act of justice to persons threatened with ruin owing to the War, for the Government to afford such financial assistance as would avert the closing of Deal School; and whether, if such be found to be the case, he will take steps, either by enlarging the powers of the Defence of the Realm War Losses Commission or otherwise, to render such assistance to Deal School?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware of the circumstances referred to. I am afraid the case is one of a not uncommon type where individuals have suffered loss due to the existence of a state of war.