§ Sir F. FLANNERYasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of damage done by the military occupation during the War to the house and premises known as "The Retreat," Witham, Essex; whether he is aware that this house contains 33 rooms and stands in 12 acres of ground; whether during the War it was successively occupied by the following regiments: Royal Warwicks, Engineers and Canadians, Royal Scots, Midland Regiment, and Gas School (for several counties); whether, in addition, it was occupied by Labour battalions months after the end of the War; whether the damage done has been estimated at £500; whether the War Office have refused to pay more than £473; and whether, in view of the wide difference between these figures, he will either reinstate the damage himself direct without money compensation or order a reference to an independent authority, such as the President of the Institution of Surveyors?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am aware that these premises have been in military occupation, and that a claim in respect of dilapidations is in course of negotiation, but I have no information as to the figures given in the question. I am, however, making inquiries, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.