56. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning the position of persons who are entitled to a cost of works payment under the War Damage Act, but are prevented from rebuilding on the precise site of the destroyed building by a local planning order or road widening scheme; and if he will make arrangements so that persons affected will not suffer loss.
§ Mr. H. StraussI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the case of an owner who is entirely prevented from rebuilding on his existing site. The War Damage Act, 1943, provides in such a case for the making of a value payment in lieu of a cost of works payment. While I cannot give an assurance in the wide terms suggested, I would refer my hon. Friend to certain provisions relating to this class of case which he will find in the Bill presented to-day.