HC Deb 29 June 1943 vol 390 cc1469-70
56. Sir W. Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that, under Defence Regulation 50B, no provision is made for the payment of compensation in respect of the cost of replacement, during or after the war, of any iron railings removed by order of the Government for war purposes or for the provision of a substitute fence; and will steps be taken to amend the Order so as to enable compensation to be paid to persons whose fences have been compulsorily removed?

Sir K. Wood

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative, and I would in general refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to him on 23rd June by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works. The terms of the Regulation were carefully considered before it was made and the Government do not contemplate its amendment in the manner suggested.

Sir W. Davison

Is not the present position under the Regulation comparable to a case where a man whose house has been removed for military considerations being paid for the bricks but not being paid anything towards the cost of the re-erection of the house; and how can my right hon. Friend justify paying no compensation to people who have to replace their fences with wood or some other material?

Sir K. Wood

I would not accept my hon. Friend's description of the matter, but he will see from the reply which was given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works the basis upon which compensation has been paid.

Sir W. Davison

On the contrary, is not my right hon. Friend aware that the Minister said he was precluded from paying compensation in respect of the cost of reinstatement until the House of Commons varied the Order?

Sir K. Wood

No, the Parliamentary Secretary said compensation was payable in accordance with the terms of the Defence Regulation 50B.

Sir W. Davison

That is not so. He said it was for the House of Commons to alter the Order, and that meanwhile he had no power under the Order in its present form to pay compensation in respect of the cost of replacement of any fencing.