HC Deb 18 October 1939 vol 352 cc899-900W
Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he contemplates the introduction of legislation to extend the payment of compensation to individuals who suffer loss in addition to the loss of property requisitioned by the State for which, under recent legislation, compensation is now payable?

Captain Crookshank

The Government must have experience of the working of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, before it is possible to consider whether or not amendment is required.

Mr. Storey

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the effect upon agriculture of Section 2 of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, which allows the taking possession of any land at a rental accruing from day to day and provides no compensation for loss of profit caused to the occupier by such taking of possession, as is provided under Section 6 for the producer of goods requisitioned or acquired thereunder?

Sir W. Womersley

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. Payment of compensation in the form of recurring payments appears appropriate to the case of the temporary taking possession of land under Section 2 of the Act. The position as regards compensation under the Act appears to be similar in the case of the farmer to that of any other producer.