§ All occupation rents in the ruined area shall be borne proportionately by all those interested in each site.—[Mr. White.]
§ Clause brought up, and read the first time.
Mr. WHITEI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a second time."
I would point out to the right hon. Gentleman that the occupants of houses which have been renewed since last April will be liable for a new rent. When they were insured the Government admitted their liability, and paid their insurance rate to the extent of one year. The Government ought either to pay the rent all round or to insert such a Clause as this, whereby the loss incurred will be shared by all the people alike. Why should those who occupy houses not pay their share of the loss? It was not the occupier of the house that was responsible for the damage. It was the act of the Government in the defence of the rights of the State to level the house, and surely the loss ought either to be borne by the State or borne during the temporary period proportionately by all those concerned.
§ Mr. DUKEThis is another Clause which embodies an idea, and which is very plausibly drawn, but it is impossible to adopt it because the parties have not been heard. By this public Bill it would take away the structural rights of the parties, and that is a reason why it is impossible to adopt it.
§ Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn.