HC Deb 02 December 1941 vol 376 cc1003-4
48. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether persons who have erected buildings in defiance of an interim development order refusal will be paid compensation from the War Damage Commission, in view of the fact that local authorities have been urged to take note of such defiances under the provisions of the Land Charges Act, 1925; and whether, by an order or other means, he will protect the public against such claims on public funds?

Sir K. Wood

The War Damage Act does not provide that the right to compensation shall be lost because the damaged building has been erected although an interim development order is in force and permission has been refused. Section 7 of the Act, however, provides in certain circumstances for the imposition in the public interest of conditions on payments made by the Commission. In the absence of details as to the particular building concerned, it is not possible to say what action the Commission could or would take.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Is the Chancellor aware that the buildings referred to in the Question exist in almost every town-planning and country-planning area in the country, and is it not desirable to do something more about it?

Sir K. Wood

If the hon. and gallant Member has a particular case, he had better let me have it, and I will look into it.

53. Mr. Gordon Macdonald

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the distress caused by war damage to many individuals, he will take the necessary action to bring about a rapid increase in the payment of claims under the War Damage Act?

Sir K. Wood

Now that the registration of claims has been brought up to date, the War Damage Commission is able to concentrate the efforts of its staff on the acceleration of payments, and I can assure my hon. Friend that all possible steps to that end are being taken.