HC Deb 10 July 1939 vol 349 cc1810-2
62. Major Procter

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in the case of any buildings the roofs of which are used for gun emplacements, His Majesty's Government propose to pay compensation for any damage caused by enemy action?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

I have been asked to reply. This question will be examined in connection with legislation which it may be necessary to introduce in the event of an emergency arising. I cannot now anticipate the contents of such legislation.

Major Procter

Can the Financial Secretary tell us when he expects such legislation to be brought before the House?

Captain Crookshank

My hon. and gallant Friend cannot have heard what I said. I spoke of "legislation which may be necessary in the event of an emergency arising." I cannot give a date.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Is it not the case that in the recent crisis guns were placed on certain buildings?

80. Sir W. Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the assurance given by the Government that lessors and lessees of property shall be relieved from any obligation to repair war damage does not cover the position of freeholders who are unable to insure their property against war damage; and what action he proposes to take to meet this serious position in the case of large numbers of individuals, companies, and societies who have invested money in property or have purchased their homes through building societies or otherwise, as well as any mortgagees of such persons, companies, and societies?

Captain Crookshank

The action which the Government propose to take in this matter was set out in the statement which my right hon. Friend made on 31st January last.

Sir W. Davison

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the serious anxiety of large numbers of persons who have invested their savings in purchasing their own homes, and of the fact that the existing uncertainty is preventing the carrying out of large numbers of building schemes, which are of importance to the community? Is he further aware that there is very great difficulty in understanding what is the Government's policy? May I have an answer, as it is very important?

Captain Crookshank

I think that if my hon. Friend reads the statement of 31st January—

Sir W. Davison

I have.

Captain Crookshank

—he will find it, like all others made by the Chancellor, crystal clear.