§ Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Health whether it is, or has been, the practice of his Department, in connection with seaside hotels and similar institutions, not to requisition but merely to earmark such establishments for potential use; and whether in that case any monetary recognition is given in such instances?
§ Mr. E. BrownEarmarking for a public purpose imposes no restriction on the use or disposition of premises by the owner or occupier, and merely prevents the requisitioning of the premises for other public purposes. This procedure is appropriate where it is not certain that the premises will in fact be used for the purpose for which they are earmarked. In a small number of cases, seaside hotels have been earmarked for the purpose of serving as reserve hospitals in case of grave emergency. If it should be necessary to use the hotels for this purpose, they would be requisitioned and compensation would become payable under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, but anless, or until, they are requisitioned no question of compensation or monetary recognition arises.
1588W