§ Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that preparations had been made to hold an exhibition on behalf of the Belgian Refugees Fund at Bristol, and the Coliseum, Bristol, was secured for the exhibition, and a deposit paid; and that the Bristol Coliseum has since been commandeered for the billeting of soldiers, and no compensation is to be given for the deposit paid or other loss of the undertakers of this effort to assist our Belgian allies; and whether any promise can be given to reconsider this matter in a more generous spirit?
§ Mr. H. BAKERI am informed that the deposit paid was promptly returned by the owners of the building. The liability of the War Department in the matter does not extend beyond the payment of the proper rate for the billeting during the period of occupation.