HC Deb 25 July 1941 vol 373 cc1209-10

Considered in Committee, and reported, without Amendment.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the Third time."

Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward (Hull, North-West)

There is just one point that I should like to raise with regard to the position of mortgagors and ground landlords under this Bill and under the original Act. It is possible that I may not be in Order in raising this question at this stage. If that is so, I am sure that you, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, will enlighten me. The position of property owners throughout the country is, briefly, that all property in the country must be insured, and the value taken is an arbitrary valuation on the Schedule A assessment. Let us consider the case of a mortgagor or ground landlord. He is compelled by the original Act—

Mr. Deputy-Speaker (Colonel Clifton Brown)

That would come under the original Act. It could not possibly come under this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)

If my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with me on this point, I shall be glad to answer him.

Mr. Doland (Balham and Tooting)

I want to be certain—and this affects many millions of people—that this Bill is not used as a means, in any shape or form, of delaying the new War Damage Bill. That particular Measure has been promised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on many occasions, and we want to be assured that the Bill will be introduced into this House in the early autumn. If the Chancellor could give this assurance, millions who are interested would be grateful.

Sir K. Wood

I certainly hope to be able to do that. I hope my hon. Friend will assure these people who have communicated with him that the Bill we are passing to-day is very much in their interests. It permits the Exchequer to continue to make any payments that may be necessary on account of enemy action after 31st August next. I imagine that my hon. Friend will be only too glad to assent to the Measure. So far as the other matter is concerned, I have been in close communication with various public utility concerns, which involves a large number of persons, and I think we can say that we are making good progress.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the Third time, and passed