§ Sir W. Davisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works 549W whether he is aware that when requisitioning properties wherein are refrigerators, gas fixes, electric light fittings, partitioning, etc., it has recently been insisted that these fittings shall be purchased at prewar values instead of hired as usual in the past; and whether he will take steps to prevent the hardship occasioned to many owners or lessees of properties who, after the war, will have to replace such fittings, if possible, at a heavy cost and far in excess of the pre-war price received for them?
§ Mr. HicksYes, Sir, I am aware that there have been difficulties, but we are endeavouring, with the consent of the owners, to include fittings and fixtures in the settlement under Section 2 (1) (a) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. The articles will consequently revert to the owners when the premises are de-requisitioned.