HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 364 c27
61. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider compensation being given to businesses closed down owing to war conditions, where, in pursuance of war aims and in the national interest the Government was compelled to request certain areas to be evacuated and provided some means of relief to the inhabitants and traders of these areas?

Sir K. Wood

I am afraid that there are many businesses which have been injured or closed as a result of war measures or war-time restrictions, and I cannot hold out any hope that those affected by evacuation can be given exceptional treatment by way of compensation.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is really grievous hardship being suffered by countless thousands of people; and, in view of the fact that in other parts of the country, in reception areas, they are deriving benefits, will he not consider, by some means or other, assisting these people who are in a position of dire distress?

Sir K. Wood

I very much regret that, but my hon. Friend will appreciate the difficulties in drawing a distinction.

Mr. Shinwell

Will not the Chancellor attach rather more importance to this subject than he appears to have been doing? If these people cannot be absorbed in the war effort and given compensation, could not at least the principle of a moratorium be applied?

Sir K. Wood

I hope I have given no impression that I am unmindful of this matter; I hope it is to the contrary. I was dealing with the proposal on the Paper, and it will be agreed that there is great difficulty in differentiating between businesses lost in one way and businesses lost in another.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Cannot the Chancellor give an answer in regard to a moratorium? Why was not a moratorium introduced earlier in the war?

Sir K. Wood

That is another matter.