§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if ho is aware that Messrs. Ritchie Brothers were ordered by the Admiralty to remove from their premises on the 28th May, 1918, and were assured they would be fully compensated for their buildings and loss on removal, and that such claims were duly valued by the district valuer and acknowledged by the Admiralty and district valuer of Inverness; and, in view of all the facts within the knowledge of the Admiralty, and the fact that the brothers referred to, industrious fisher- 2299W men, have not received a penny of compensation for their eviction, he will take immediate steps to secure payment to them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is a fact that the premises belonging to Messrs. Ritchie Brothers, at Houton Bay, were requisitioned, and that possession was taken on the 28th May, 1918. The applicants have always held the view that the Admiralty should purchase their complete interests, and the value of these interests was agreed locally, subject to confirmation by the Admiralty. As it could not be decided whether the station would be required permanently or not, the Admiralty could not proceed on this basis, and much delay has arisen owing to the fact that Messrs. Ritchie have declined to submit an application in respect of temporary disturbance only. In order to obtain a settlement, the matter is now being referred to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, and it is hoped that an early hearing will be arranged. The Commission are also being asked to sanction a payment on account in the meantime