HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc916-8
64. Sir W. Davison

asked the Attorney-General whether the Government are aware of the unfortunate position of large numbers of lessees who are bound under their leases to repair or reinstate premises in the event of their being damaged or destroyed by hostile aircraft in war-time, and are unable to obtain insurance against such liability; and what action the Government propose to take in the matter?

The Solicitor-General (Sir Terence O'Connor)

The point raised by my hon. Friend is, I think, covered by paragraph 5 of the report of the Committee on the Responsibility for the Repair of Premises damaged by Hostilities (Cmd. 5934), in which the Committee recommend that lessors or lessees should be relieved by Statute of any obligation express or implied to repair war damage. As stated in the answer of my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General to the hon. Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson) on 26th June, the Government have accepted the recommendations contained in the report.

Sir W. Davison

Is the Solicitor-General aware that this report was submitted to Parliament by the Lord Chancellor as long ago as February last, and that a large number of citizens are very seriously disturbed at their liabilities in this matter, and can he say when steps will be taken to act in the way suggested in the report?

The Solicitor-General

I have told my hon. Friend that my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General assured the hon. Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson) that it is the Government's intention to implement the recommendations of the report.

Colonel Nathan

Will the Solicitor-General say when the promise of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, made months ago, that legislation would be immediately introduced to deal with this grave matter, will be implemented, and in particular whether this legislation, of importance to vast numbers of people, will be passed into law before the House adjourns for the summer vacation?

The Solicitor-General

The first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. With regard to the date of the legislation proposed to carry into effect the recommendation in the report I do not think it can be introduced except in the event of hostilities breaking out.

Colonel Nathan

Is it within the Solicitor-General's recollection that there was no such reservation in the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but that on the contrary he said that it was the intention to introduce legislation without any unnecessary delay, and that was many months ago?

The Solicitor-General

I think the assurance given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General and repeated by me to-day should be enough to allay the anxiety which is said to exist.

Sir W. Davison

Is the Solicitor-General aware that there will be no anxiety if the lessee or the lessor can rely on the statement made to-day that the recommendation in the report will be carried into law at once?

The Solicitor-General

Perhaps I might read the conclusion in the report to which I referred: The Committee have come to the conclusion that the lessee or lessor should be relieved by Statute from his obligation, expressed or implied, to repair war damage. The Government intend to implement that view.