asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the firm who purchased Rosneath Estate, Dumbartonshire, collected compensation from his Department for damage done to drains and fences on Meikle and Little Rahane farms; that they disposed of the estate and refuse to meet their obligations to the tenant farmers to repair the damage; and what steps he proposes to take to recover the money.

The money paid to the former owner of the Rosneath Estate, as compensation for damage, has been recovered. Negotiations for a new settlement are proceeding between the Admiralty, the present owner and the two tenant farmers affected.

Cannot my hon. Friend put some life into the Admiralty? Is he aware that I have been corresponding for the last 18 months, and how is it possible for a speculator to clean up the compensation and to clear out in less than six months?.

I can only say that this money was recovered long before the hon. Member's Question was put down, and that, in fact, I informed the hon. Gentleman on 26th October, 1946, that that was the case.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, while he informed me on that date, no representative of his Department made any approach with a view to a settlement until last Friday, and then only by telephone?

I am not aware of that, but I am prepared to go into the matter, as we know that negotiations have been taking place for some time.