§ Colonel ORDE-POWLETTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the land and effects of Mrs. Knowles. of Moor House Farm, Scruton, North Yorkshire, have been taken over by the War Agricultural Committee, that the compensation due from the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Commission has not yet been paid, and that this woman has no money for the 493W maintenance of herself and family or to provide another home; and whether, seeing that she is in such straitened circumstances, he will accelerate the payment of the compensation due to her?
§ Sir R. WINFREYPossession was taken of the land comprised in Moor House Farm, Scruton, on 11th October, 1017, as well as of the stock and produce on the farm. Mrs. Knowles has not yet given up possession of the farmhouse. This action was taken under Regulation 2m of the Defence of the Realm Regulations and compensation for direct and substantial loss is in such cases paid upon the determination of the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Royal Commission. Mrs. Knowles' claim for compensation for loss due to possession being taken of the stock and produce and for loss of tenant right is dated 24th January, 1918. No time has been lost in dealing with the claim since it was received: the War Agricultural Executive Committee have forwarded it to the Board of Agriculture with a report prepared by an experienced valuer in accordance with the instructions of the Losses Commission, and the claim and report are now being forwarded to that Commission with a request that they will be good enough to expedite the hearing and, if possible, to make to Mrs. Knowles some payment on account. Mrs. Knowles has not made any claim for loss of occupation value, but is being asked to do so.