§ Mr. WASONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the terms under which the War Office took over the Victoria Street Hall, Kirkwall, on the 16th August, 1916; what rent they have paid so far for the occupation of the hall and, if none has been paid, what rent it is proposed to pay; and if the proprietors are to have any voice in the matter?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe terms under which the premises were taken over were on the basis of making good any loss directly arising out of the military occupation of the property. No rent has, therefore, been paid so far, but it is now proposed to pay a rent of £4 15s. 6d., calculated on the "loss" basis, and to restore the building as necessary at the termination of occupation. The proprietors were asked in September, 1916, to furnish a statement of receipts and expenditure for each of the two years prior to military occupation, and it is always open to them to lay their case before the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.