HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 c2108
65. Major Bruce

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the provisions of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, have resulted in considerable hardship to all those persons carrying on business under a weekly tenancy who were required to relinquish their premises for the defence of the realm, and who received merely an exgratia payment for expenses incurred in moving personal chattels; and whether he is prepared to reopen the cases of small traders on weekly tenancy who have suffered injustice in this regard having been, in some instances, in business at the premises concerned for over 10 years?

Mr. Dalton

Such loss of business is only one example of many types of loss of income due to war circumstances which lie outside the field of compensation by Government.

Major Bruce

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I know of a case of a widow who had been in business 22 years and was disturbed from her premises by the Admiralty and awarded£5 compensation?

Mr. Dalton

That may be.