Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYasked the Secretary of State for War if he will expedite the settlement of the following claims for compensation, namely, of Mr. William Stubbs, Longhouse Farm, Litherland, for a land assault course at Litherland for which Mr. Stubbs has received no payment, notwithstanding the fact that this land was commandeered in 1915; and of the Hotel Dieu, Waterloo, which has been endeavouring to get a settlement of its claim for the past six months, and pending settlement is unable to resume the work for which it exists?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe land in question is at present being reinstated by military labour and Mr. Stubbs will then submit an amended claim to the end of the War Department occupation. The claim is a matter for the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission to hear and determine as to the amount of compensation payable from public funds. If, however, the sum recommended by the Department's land agent is agreed by Mr. Stubbs it will doubtless be possible for the claim to be settled by the Army Council without a formal hearing before the Commission. The local military authorities have been requested to expedite the matter and every effort will be made to effect an early settlement. With regard to the Hotel Dieu, I will write to my hon. Friend in the course of a few days.