HC Deb 10 July 1941 vol 373 c313
53. Sir W. Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now inform the House as to the result of his examination promised on 27th May as to cases of complaint with regard to the serious hardship suffered by individuals under existing methods of requisitioning property; and what action the Government propose to take in the matter?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, I have asked Mr. John Morris, K.C., to consider generally such cases and to make such recommendations to me as he may deem desirable.

Sir W. Davison

Does my right hon. Friend realise that it is now many months since I and other hon. Members drew attention to the very hard cases of people who have had their premises requisitioned, and surely, it does not require a K.C. to inform the Government that people who have had their property taken should not have to go on paying a rent in excess of what they are being paid by the Government? Surely, some arrangement ought to be made by the Government so that these people are not forced to pay a rent for something which they do not receive, as the Government or local authority have taken over the premises for which the individual is still obliged to pay rent?

Sir K. Wood

The matter is not quite as simple as my hon. Friend indicates. I think it is well to have a fresh mind brought to bear on the subject, and when we get a report we can see what decision to take.

Sir W. Davison

Will the report be published promptly, as this question has gone on for months now and people have had to incur heavy expenditure?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Mathers

Does this cover requisitioning by all Government Departments?

Mr. Lipson

Will payments be retrospective?

Sir K. Wood

I cannot anticipate the report.