§ 51 and 52. Sir Granville Gibsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that in the opinion of many authorities the announcement by the Treasury that the Government will pay compensation on the conclusion of hostilities to such an amount as public funds permit in respect of damage to property caused by enemy action does not meet the needs of the situation; and will he take steps to urge the conference set up under the chairmanship of Lord 1810 Weir to issue their recommendations at the earliest possible moment in view of the serious situation which has been created by the absence of a properly constituted scheme;
(2) whether he is aware that large sums have already been paid in premiums to insurance and other companies to cover possible losses to property from enemy action in this country; whether his Department has investigated the merits of the various schemes advertised in the Press and in other ways; whether he is satisfied that full compensation could be paid under such schemes in the event of total loss; and whether he will take steps to issue an order which would prevent the exploitation of property owners?
§ Sir J. SimonIt is hoped to make a statement on these matters early next week.