HC Deb 15 December 1944 vol 406 c1474W
Sir R. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that his Department is returning to owners derequisitioned properties which require considerable repairs and redecoration in consequence of use by the military, before they can be used by civilians, he proposes to pay such owners rent from the time of derequisitioning until such time as they are able to have the work done to render such properties fit for civilian occupation or re-letting.

Sir J. Grigg

It is the Department's practice to payex gratia and in addition to the statutory liabilities set forth in Section 2 (1) (b) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, a lump sum based on the annual "rental" compensation, to cover the period estimated to be necessary under normal conditions for carrying out the work. This conforms to the practice of other Departments.