HC Deb 01 February 1945 vol 407 cc1617-8
33. Sir Percy Harris

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the claims on the Bethnal Green Borough Council arising out of the Bethnal Green shelter case; and as to the position of those Servicemen who, owing to absence overseas, were debarred by the Local Authorities Limitation Act from sustaining any claim they might have.

Mr. H. Morrison

The matter is being actively considered but I regret that I am not yet able to announce a decision.

Sir P. Harris

As this disaster happened over 18 months ago, will not the right hon. Gentleman make up his mind soon so that those who are making claims will know what their position is and so that the borough council will know what their financial liabilities are likely to be?

Mr. Morrison

My right hon. Friend's supplementary is very misleading when he talks about 18 months since the disaster occurred. It is only a few weeks since the latest legal decision was given in the courts.

Sir P. Harris

I am referring to when the disaster took place from the point of view of the victims. Their interest arose directly it took place.

Mr. Morrison

There may be more than one view about that. I took steps with the Minister of Pensions at once, and the Minister acted within 24 hours and recognised these cases for payment and benefit under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, although it is doubtful whether he was bound to do so. Credit is due to the Government for the promptness with which they acted.

Mr. Silverman

With reference to the latter half of the Question, can my right hon. Friend give some undertaking that Servicemen who were not on the spot and whose time might have run out will not be faced with a technical defence by the local authority when they return?

Mr. Morrison

I can only say that that is being carefully considered, but I am not in a position to make a statement about it.