HC Deb 28 November 1944 vol 404 cc2397-8
54. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Southern portion of Greater London and the Southern and Southeastern areas adjoining have borne the brunt of the bombing attacks and, in view of the loss of rateable value thereby incurred he will take the necessary steps to ensure that these losses are borne equitably by the whole nation.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)

I have been asked to reply. I do not think that I can usefully add to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Balham (Mr. Doland) on 9th November, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Sir W. Smithers

Can it not be stated to-day that this burden of the heavily-bombed areas around my division will be borne by the whole country? Could the Minister not say "Yes" or "No"?

Mr. Willink

Full assurances have been given that the position will be reviewed, but we do not know yet where we are with regard to the relative burden in this connection.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman proposing to re- view this question on the basis of the bombed areas round London? Will he not make it retrospective, and review the unemployment and devastation and all that happened in the North of England in the past ten years?

Mr. Willink

Those are just the kind of difficulties which arise. I have given no specific undertaking, but I have said that the position will be reviewed.

Mr. Frankel

Is it not a fact that East London received as much bombing as any other part of London?