§ Mr. F. C. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission have refused any compensation to the trustees of the late Andrew Ross, Aberdeen, who have been prohibited from using their premises as from 31st August, 1918, under the Slaughter Houses (Licensing) Order, 1918 (No. 896); and whether the (Government will amend the instructions issued to the Commissioners to enable them to grant compensation to those whose business has been brought to an end by the action of a Government Department?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Defence of the Realm Losses Commission have heard the application of the trustees of the late Andrew Ross and determined that there had been no interference on the part of the Crown with the property or business of the applicants in respect of which any payment to them out of public funds could be determined by the Commission. The Commission appreciated the hardship of the case, and accordingly recommended that £5 5s. should be paid to the applicants towards the necessary expenses of preparing the application, but they have always found themselves unable, under898W their terms of reference, to determine compensation to applicants whose loss has been due, as in the present case, to the operation of any General Order or Regulation, or to the refusal of a licence under such Order or Regulation. I am not prepared to amend the terms of reference of the Commission.