§ 62. Sir L. Lyleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will appoint an emergency committee to recommend what steps should be taken to alleviate the distress caused to hotels, boarding houses and other businesses in coastal resorts affected by the new Defence Area Regulations concerning visitors?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)Regulations have been issued applying a moratorium to rent, rates and certain other local debts, within any part of a Defence Area which may be declared by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security to be an evacuated area. Relief is moreover afforded in certain conditions by the provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, and persons who are in distress as a result of the war are eligible for assistance under the scheme for the prevention and relief of distress. In these circumstances I do not think the appointment of a committee is necessary.
§ Sir L. LyleWould my right hon. Friend be prepared to receive representations?
§ Sir K. WoodCertainly.
§ Mr. LoftusIs my right hon. Friend aware that owing to the effect of the war on seaside hotels there are many cases where, unless the law is altered, the licence duty will increase 20 and 30-fold, and will he take any steps to alter it?
Vice Admiral TaylorIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are boroughs in London which are just as badly hit as the coast towns?
§ Sir K. WoodThose are some of the difficulties.