HC Deb 18 November 1942 vol 385 cc347-8
55. Captain Gammans

asked the Minister of Supply what arrangements he is proposing to make to compensate owners of motor-cars whose tyres are requisi- tioned; and whether he is prepared to give a guarantee of priority for new tyres to such owners when rubber again becomes available?

58. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Minister of Supply whether motorists whose tyres are confiscated will receive preferential treatment when rubber again becomes more plentiful; and whether he will consider issuing a certificate when the tyres are requisitioned which would receive some form of priority after the war?

Sir A. Duncan

All requisitioned tyres will be examined by valuers on behalf of the Ministry of Supply, and compensation will be payable in accordance with the provisions of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, having regard to their age, condition and type. It is not possible to give a guarantee of priority now in respect of tyres which have been requisitioned. Future distribution must depend upon the circumstances at the time.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Will this not penalise thrift if those who suffer confiscation to-day are not to get some advantage?

Sir A. Duncan

That is not confiscation; it is a contribution to the war effort by those who are gladly willing to make it.

Commander Locker-Lampson

But is not the taking of tyres confiscation?