HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 cc1943-4
66. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to enable interest at 2½ per cent. to be paid half-yearly to the owners of small property demolished by enemy action where there is no other income and the owners are now destitute except for their old age pension?

Sir K. Wood

For reasons explained during the passage of the War Damage (Amendment) Bill in June last, I regret it is impracticable to adopt this procedure.

Mr. Morrison

Has the right hon. Gentleman no suggestion to make to alleviate the position of old people whose sole income was derived from some property and who are now entirely dependent on their old age pension?

Sir K. Wood

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will look at the report of the Debate in which the matter was fully discussed. I shall be happy to have a talk with him about the matter afterwards.

Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are many owners of small property who are to-day receiving public assistance owing to the fact that their property has been entirely destroyed by enemy action, and is it not possible for him to reconsider the decision to impose a strict ceiling on the amount which these people receive?

Sir K. Wood

The matter was fully discussed.

Mr. McGovern

Is President Roosevelt in the United States doing anything to prevent payment out of these funds?

Sir K. Wood

I am not speaking on behalf of the President of the United States.