HC Deb 21 May 1941 vol 371 cc1524-5
20. Captain Cunningham-Reid

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider compensating in full those members of the House of Commons staff who, owing to the bombing of the House of Commons, have lost clothes and effects which they habitually used in the course of carrying out their duties?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)

Members of the House of Commons staff are, of course, entitled to the same rights under the private chattels scheme in regard to both free compensation and to insurance as any other persons. I have arranged for the staff concerned to receive assistance in the preparation of their claims, which will receive immediate consideration.

Mr. Shinwell

If these members of the House of Commons staff are accustomed to wear a certain kind of clothing and livery in the course of their duties, is there not a special claim for consideration, and should they not be suitably compensated?

Captain Waterhouse

Under the scheme a man is entitled to an immediate payment for real necessities, and there is no doubt that such livery will be considered a real necessity.