§ 58. Captain W. BENNasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the unsatisfactory rate of progress in dealing with the compensation of British nationals in respect of damage suffered from enemy action, he proposes any means for accelerating the distribution of the grant to persons many of whom are in need of money?
§ 68. Brigadier-General COLVINasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any steps will be taken to meet the claims for reparation from the victims of enemy action during the War; and whether some measure of relief can be immediately granted to those who, in consequence of the destruction of their property, are in extreme need?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action is doing its utmost to press on with the large number of claims which are before it. Payments on account are being made to necessitous claimants in certain cases, and over 800 such payments have already been made.
§ Captain BENNIs it not a fact that one-hundredth part only of the money set aside has been distributed, and as this matter is urgent, and there has been delay for many months, cannot the Chancellor of the Exchequer improve the machinery in some way?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have often felt that a long time has been taken, but I doubt whether the House realises the number of claims coming in—over 60,000–and dealing with them must be a matter of time. The Committee are urging the matter forward as well as they can, and the only way would seem to be to make some provision for necessitous cases, as has been done; but I will keep this under review.