§ Mr. R. MCNEILLasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of farmers in the Dover district, who have suffered damage by reason of military operations since the beginning of the War, agreed with a valuer on behalf of the Government in the autumn of 1915 as to the assessment of such damage, but that up to the present the compensation has not been paid, considerable sums of money being in this respect due to the farmers concerned; and whether, in view of the fact that nearly a year has elapsed since the assessment was agreed, and that a further valuation will shortly have to be made in respect of the continuing loss occasioned to the farmers, he will take steps to have payment made without further delay of the money due on this account?
§ Mr. FORSTERI understand that three of the cases to which I think my hon. Friend is referring only reached the War Office this week. They are being at once referred for the decision of the Royal Commission. There are, I believe, two other cases, and steps are being taken to expedite them. I am sorry there has been delay, the main cause of which has been the breakdown of the local land agent.