§ Captain Sir R. BLADESasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the serious losses of property owners on the East Coast during the War owing to their property being commandeered at nominal rents for billeting 603W the troops, and, in most cases, seriously damaged by them; whether he will take such steps as will ensure that the officials concerned will take immediate action to settle damage claims forthwith on a liberal basis, with an allowance for rent for the period during which property is unlettable owing to the damage done by the troops; and whether prompt survey and payment can be made necessary to enable owners to immediately carry out the repairs which are inevitable to ensure possibility of occupation in the next few weeks?
§ Mr. FORSTERI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk North on the 5th May. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy, as it is rather lengthy. I I may add to the information there given that arrangements have now been made toy which dilapidation claims in cases of military occupation under Defence of the Realm powers in certain East Coast areas can be expeditiously settled, and it is hoped that those arrangements will very shortly be extended to other areas.