§ 4. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can indicate the progress now made in the settlement of claims for loss of private chattels how many claims remain outstanding; and whether it is intended to settle, by cash payments, claims now agreed and not exceeding £100?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)At 31st October last, 90 per cent. of the very large number of private chattels claims received had been assessed, and of those assessed more than 90 per cent. had either been paid or recorded for payment with interest after the war. The Private Chattels Scheme provides for settlement by cash payment of claims not exceeding £25. Above this amount payment may only be made on grounds of undue hardship.
§ Mr. EthertonIn view of the fact that cairns are not coming in in such quantities as was expected, would it be possible to reconsider the Order and raise the minimum figure?
§ Mr. DaltonI will look into that, but I cannot give any undertaking without consideration.