§ 66. Sir R. COOPERasked the Minister of Munitions whether he has official information showing that the holding of fairs 1824 and wakes for limited hours in the evening interferes with the production of munitions any more than the opening of cinemas and theatres; and, if so, does he intend to compensate firms engaged in catering for amusement who can prove that they are suffering from the prohibition of fairs and wakes or unable to meet their financial obligations?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy information is that the holding of local fairs or wakes is more likely to interfere with the production of war material than more permanent forms of amusement, such as cinemas and theatres. Claims for compensation in respect of direct loss or damage should be submitted to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.
§ Sir R. COOPERWill the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that the Government are prepared to pay compensation where it can be shown that a man has suffered very severely from closing?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not know anything about that. I simply said that claims should be presented to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission; I know nothing of what the decision may be.