HC Deb 20 July 1943 vol 391 cc694-6
58. Sir W. Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the cases in which no compensation is paid in respect of replacing property taken by the Government other than the case of compensation for the reinstatement of fencing in place of iron-fencing removed for war purposes?

Sir K. Wood

I would refer my hon. Friend to Section 6 of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, from which he will see that the basis of compensation for requisitioned goods generally is not the cost of replacement, but, subject to certain qualifications which are set out in the Section: the price which the person who, immediately before the requisition or acquisition, was the owner of the goods might reasonably have been expected to obtain upon a sale of the goods then effected by him, regard being had to the condition of the goods at the time and no account being taken of any appreciation in the value of the goods due to the emergency.

Sir W. Davison

My right hon. Friend has constantly quoted this Section, but will he explain why a few sections of the community are asked to forgo the payment of compensation to enable them to replace property taken by the Government whereas others are given compensation by the Government to enable them to replace losses due to Government action? What is the justification for this inequality of treatment?

Sir K. Wood

I have endeavoured to explain the position to my hon. Friend on many occasions, and I really do not think I can add to what I have already said.

Sir W. Davison

The Chancellor has merely quoted a Section and has not explained. He stated on the last occasion there were inequalities, but he has not explained why these inequalities are persisted in.

Sir K. Wood

I referred my hon. Friend to the Section of the Act on which decisions are based.

Sir Richard Acland

Is the Chancellor aware that owners of railings provide about the only case in which the promise of 1940 about the conscription of property has been fulfilled?

Mr. Leach

Is the Chancellor aware that he has greatly increased the artistic appearance of most of these properties by what he has done?