HC Deb 18 March 1941 vol 370 cc8-9
11. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state what steps have been taken to accelerate the settlement of claims for compensation arising out of the requisitioning of premises by military authorities?

Mr. Law

The settlement of claims has been considerably accelerated in recent months as a result of large increases of professional staff and various administrative adjustments designed to equalise the burden between and within Commands, and I anticipate further improvement in the near future.

Sir H. Williams

Is my hon. Friend aware of the considerable hardship that is being caused to large numbers of people whose claims have been outstanding for anything up to a year?

Mr. Law

I do not think there is any reason why anybody should suffer hardship, because the Claims Commission has authority to make a grant even before settlement of the claim if hardship is being experienced. If my hon. Friend has any particular case which he cares to bring to my notice, I will look into it.

Sir H. Williams

One claim was put in four months ago and has not been heard of since.

Sir W. Davison

Does my hon. Friend not think that the War Office should continue to pay rent on commandeered houses until they are ready for occupation again, so that a person who is dependent on the rent of the house should not lose income when he is not getting rent from the War Office or from an incoming tenant?

Mr. Law

The War Office is governed in these matters by an Act of Parliament. Obviously it is not possible for us to go beyond the limits which Parliament has set.

Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

The method for the payment of claims by the War Office is not being followed by the Air Ministry. It is true that there are many claims against the War Office made over six months ago, and is it not about time to hasten this matter?

Mr. Law

As I have tried to explain, it is being expedited very greatly. Already a large percentage of these claims have been settled, and I hope that that percentage will be rapidly increased.