§ Dr. Petersasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the wanton damage done to Orton Longueville Hall, near Peterborough, by troops stationed there; whether he will have an investigation made and the damage assessed before other troops are stationed there; and whether he will agree to deduct from the pay of officers and men responsible for this damage the amount assessed thereof, so that the general taxpayer shall be relieved of such expenditure required to make good the damage done?
§ Sir J. GriggThis case has been fully investigated. The house has been occupied by a number of units of the Army since October, 1940, and the damage done by them has been assessed and paid for. On three occasions the damage done was the fault of the units and their funds have been charged with sums totalling £16 11s, 3d. A further case is now being investigated. In the circumstances, I do not consider that the damage done, although regrettable, is very great, and I understand that the house has, in general, been maintained by the Army in an excellent state of repair.