§ 37. Sir William Davisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the hard case of refugees from the Channel Islands, who have escaped to this country, leaving all their possessions behind them and have to equip themselves and their new homes at the greatly increased prices now prevailing; and whether he will consider allowing these British subjects to have the benefit of the compensation provided under the War Damage Act for loss of property by enemy action?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)The War Damage Act does not extend to the Channel Islands, nor are losses of the kind referred to in the Question within the definition of war damage as laid down in the Act; and my right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot contemplate its extension in the manner suggested.
§ Sir W. DavisonHave the Government considered whether anything can be done to alleviate the sufferings of these citizens of ours, many of whom are penniless and, through no fault of their own, are refugees in this country? Can something not be done to make them entitled to compensation for the loss of their property which they have had to leave behind them in the Channel Islands?
§ Captain CrookshankCompensation for property is another question. It is, of course, true that persons evacuated from the Channel Islands to this country are eligible for assistance under the war-time scheme for the prevention and relief of distress, just as are inhabitants of this country.