§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for War to whom should farmers and other occupiers of land apply for an examination of damage done to crops, fences, walls, buildings, etc., that have been affected by the emergency defence works now being constructed in different parts of the country, in view of the loss sustained and the importance of assessing compensation as soon after the event as possible?
§ Mr. EdenApplication should be made to the command land agent at the headquarters of the command in which the property is situated.
§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for War who was responsible for the damage to crops by motor-lorries and other means used to erect poles in the fields and tractors to plough ditches, without consultation with the farmers or the Departments of Agriculture; and what steps he is taking to prevent any extension of this procedure?
§ Mr. EdenClear instructions have been issued that county war agricultural executive committees are to be consulted, and that, subject to overriding military necessity, the fullest consideration must be given to the preservation of agriculture.
§ Mr. Liddallasked the Secretary of State for War whether tests are being made by military engineers to ensure that parts of tank ditches are not being cut through flood banks, and that no part shall be below the level of a neighbouring main river; and will he enlist the assistance of drainage experts and catchment boards so as to check any possibility of flooding 631W resulting from work carried out by military persons unaccustomed to drainage technicalities?
§ Mr. EdenMilitary engineers have consulted catchment board engineers whenever work of the nature involved in this Question has to be undertaken, and the advice and practical assistance of catchment boards in the various districts concerned have been fully utilised.