§ Sir N. Grattan-Doyleasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the use of the Defence Act of 1842 for the compulsory acquisition of land by the War Office; and whether, having regard to the altered position which lords lieutenant and deputy lieutenants now occupy in regard to county affairs, he will introduce legislation substituting for their certificate under the Act that of a county council?
§ Sir V. WarrenderYes, Sir, my right hon. Friend is aware that the Act is being used for this purpose. He is unable to agree that the ground put forward in the second part of the question constitutes an adequate reason for altering the existing procedure.