THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they are aware of the complete inadequacy of the compensation paid to the crofters of Duirinisk Kyle of Lochalsh, for the taking over by a Service Department of a large proportion of the land cultivated by them.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY (LORD BRUNTISFIELD)This land which comprises part of the holdings of fourteen crofters, was requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1940 for certain essential works. The acreage taken is in most cases about 537WA one-third of the total area of the croft. Compensation for requisitioned land has to be assessed in accordance with the terms of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, which allows payment, where appropriate in such cases, broadly under three headings, periodical payment of a "rental" character, lump sum compensation for growing crops, cultivation and so on, payment of surveyors' fees and legal costs. Settlements on this basis were agreed to by the claimants' representatives in 1942, and periodical compensation under tic first heading is still being paid accordingly.