§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been directed to the fact that in August, 1914, the Admiralty annexed four and a half acres of the farm of Nether Scapa, of about eleven acres, St. Ola, rendering the farm practically valueless; that the Government valuer from Inverness reported that £17 was a fair compensation which was paid and £24 in 1916 and 1917, and the same valuer expressed the opinion that Mr. Anderson should get the same Bum for 1918; that by request Mr. Anderson was asked to state a case for the Losses Commission; this was done last January and repeated letters are ignored; and if, in consideration of the fact that Mrs. Anderson has been practically ruined by the action of the Admiralty and deprived of the ordinary necessities of life, he will order immediate inquiry?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty requisitioned 4½ acres out of the farm of 11 acres in 1914, and paid the sums stated up to August, 1917. The chief valuer, in dealing with the subsequent year—i.e., to August, 1918—was unable to recommend payment for that year on the basis of the preceding years owing to subsequent decisions by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission in other cases heard by them. In view of this, the question was referred to the Losses Commission, together with a formal claim from Mrs. Anderson. The Commission have approved an immediate payment of £10 on account, and payment thereof has been made. The formal claim lodged by Mrs. Anderson in respect of the year now in question is indefinite in amount, and the Commission have intimated that they require to know the exact sum Mrs. Anderson claims, when they will adjudicate in the case. Steps are being taken at once to obtain the information required by the Commission. I very much regret if any letters have been overlooked, but my hon. Friend will recognise that we are working under very great pressure.