§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain hotel companies are withholding dividends to their shareholders on the ground that they cannot obtain payment from the War Office in respect of the use of buildings commandeered by it; and will he take steps to remedy the hardship towards a large number of small investors dependent upon such dividends?
§ Mr. FORSTERHitherto, as these buildings were commandeered by the War Office under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, the Department was held to have no power to make payment for the use of the buildings except under an award of the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission or except in cases where, subject to certain conditions approved by the Commission, advances on account could be made to applicants who so desired. In view of the recent decision in the Court of Appeal the question will be considered by the Law Officers of the Crown.