§ Sir R. Taskerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the owner of a house and land seized by the military authorities, in July 1940, has received no compensation, and that the War Department valuers claim that no compensation whatever is payable because the land was in a prohibited area, and that land in a prohibited area has no value; and what steps he is taking to put an end to this injustice?
§ Captain MargessonIt is not the case that in assessing the value of property under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, War Department valuers claim that no value attaches to property within a prohibited area, although such property has, of course, substantially less value than in normal times. As regards the particular case to which I understand my hon. Friend refers, instructions have been issued that a payment on account should be made forthwith, if a very early settlement cannot be negotiated.