§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at the end of January last 35 allotment holders on the Churchfields Estate, Edmonton, were evicted, as the land was stated to be required for housing purposes; whether all or any of these allotment holders submitted claims for compensation in respect of garden crops, etc., under the Allotments and Cottage Gardens Compensation for Crops Act, 2097W 1887; whether the district valuer has declined to recommend to the Edmonton Council that the allotment holders have any right to compensation; and for what reason these claims are disallowed?
Sir A. MONOI am informed that Notice of Entry on the land occupied by these allotment holders was given by the Edmonton Urban District Council under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, in December of last year, and claims have been received. The question what compensation (if any) is payable to these allotment holders is a matter involving legal considerations of some complexity, and the district valuer, acting on behalf of the council, on the information at present before him is not satisfied that any compensation is payable. I understand that the allotment holders have referred the matter to the National Association of Allotment Holders, and that the district valuer is awaiting a communication from that body.