HC Deb 15 December 1942 vol 385 cc1777-8
52. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the possibility that uncertainties as to the levels of building costs and of values of property in the immediate post-war period may affect many determinations made before the end of the war by the War Damage Commission; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

53. Sir W. Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will taken steps to ensure that the War Damage Commission's determinations as between cost of works and value payments are made currently in order that claims may be settled and repairs effected as speedily as possible when the war is over?

Sir K. Wood

I agree that it is desirable that the War Damage Commission should decide as early as possible which type of payment, subject to considerations as to the public interest, is appropriate, and the Commission are anxious to get ahead with this work. As the Acts stand at present the decision requires an estimate to be made of the value of a property when restored or as a site at an indefinite future date and of the cost of repair when repair becomes possible. These factors are so uncertain that I am considering, as I indicated in an answer to a Question put by the hon Member for Bournemouth (Sir Leonard Lyle) last Wednesday in consultation with the Commission whether some amendment of the Acts is not required which will enable them to apply a more immediately practicable test.

Sir W. Davison

Does my right hon. Friend realise the serious hardship to the individual whose property has been totally destroyed by enemy action owing to the fact that the value payment is deferred until after the war and meantime he receives no income on the capital sum due to him? The 2½ per cent. interest allowed on such sum is accumulated but not paid till the end of the war. Meantime many people are without means of living whose income was derived from property totally destroyed.

Sir K. Wood

My hon. Friend will remember that we discussed this fully when the-Measure was before the House.

Sir W. Davison

In view of what has happened since, does not my right hon. Friend realise the very serious hardship to people who have no income at all from property which has been destroyed and will he look into the matter again?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir.