6 JULY 1944, Page 14

THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE

SIR,—In your article " The Land and the People" in your issue of June 3oth you say, about the payment of compensation at the March, 1939, value, that the substantial justice of that principle need not be challenged. In saying this have you had in mind the marked deterioration, which would appear to be permanent, in the value of money which has taken place during the last five years? Do you really feel that justice will be done if the State takes possession compulsorily of a particular form of pro- perty and gives in exchange a sum of money which, while nominally the same as its value in 1939, has, in fact, a purchasing power far less than was then the case?—Your obedient servant, R. E. MARTIN. The Bland, Loughborough.