§ Sir W. SUGDENasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that distress is being caused through delay in dealing with the claims of certain spinning companies in the constituency of Royton whose premises were commandeered by his Department during the War, because to date such claims have not been dealt with, and that such delay is causing unemployment as well as distress, for these companies are owned by the workers and employés themselves; and, if 478W so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI have been asked to answer this question. I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to properties known as the Lilac Mill, Limited, and the Mutual Mill, Limited. These claims, which are for very large sums, relate to the occupation of the mills from 1918 to 1919. Detailed investigations of a lengthy character have necessarily been involved, and the decision of the War Compensation Court will have to be obtained. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that every effort is being made by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission, in whose hands the matter now is, to expedite a settlement.