HC Deb 01 April 1946 vol 421 cc799-800
6. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now prepared to give Mr. A. E. Saunders, of 2 Sneyd Street, Cardiff, compensation for his lorry requisitioned for National Service during the war.

Mr. Barnes

There is nothing I can do for Mr. Saunders as he was not the legal owner of the lorry at the time it was requisitioned. I have already written to my hon. Friend giving him a full explanation of the circumstances of this case.

Mr. Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my constituent paid£700 for this lorry when it was requisitioned, and that the Government merely paid the finance corporation the£295 which was remaining on this lorry without giving to my constituent one penny by way of compensation for the loss of his livelihood?

Mr. Barnes

Yes, Sir; all those points are quite clear, and the reasons for the decision were set out in the information I have submitted to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that this example by the Government of a raw deal to a citizen who has had his livelihood taken away is not such as is conducive to good government?

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Having regard to the lively interest shown by hon. Members in this case, would it not be fair for the right hon. Gentleman to tell us what the reason was, and not to keep it secret between himself and his hon. Friend?

Mr. Barnes

I have no desire to keep the matter secret at all. If a question is put down to elicit the necessary information, no doubt I can supply it.

Mr. Hopkin Morris

Does the right hon. Gentleman's Department now accept principles which, if adopted by a hire purchase company, would be regarded as unprincipled?

Mr. Barnes

I do not agree that that implication is justified. One would have to have the whole of the facts before coming to a conclusion.

Mr. Hogg

On a point of Order. Is the right hon. Gentleman entitled to ask for notice when we ask for information on the original Question which is already supplied to the hon. Member?

Mr. Speaker

It is not for me to say how the Minister should reply.

Mr. John Paton

How long have these principles been in operation?

Mr. Thomas

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.