§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that Mr. E. H. Mathews, proprietor of the St. Nicholas boarding-house, Scarborough, billeted a number of troops for the months of October, November, and December, 1915, and January, February, March, and April, 1916, at the rate of fifteen guineas per week, the total for thirty weeks amounting to £472 10s., and has not yet received payment; and whether, in view of the hardship thus occasioned this trader and of the fact that the catering business at Scarborough is practically at a standstill, steps will be taken to make payment in full and compensation for bank interest?
§ Mr. FORSTERMr. Mathews in January last signed a form of application for the submission of his claim to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, but after arrangements had been made to obtain the Commission's sanction to an immediate payment on account the applicant's representative withdrew the application and alleged the existence of an agreement to pay fifteen guineas a week. Renewed efforts are being made to arrange the matter.