HC Deb 19 November 1946 vol 430 cc684-5
55. Mr. West

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider authorising the payment of postwar credits for the benefit of a deceased's estate, on the written application of personal representatives, in those cases where the deceased person would have been entitled to payment had he made written application therefor before his death.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Payment of postwar credit can be made only to claimants who have reached the age limits prescribed by Section 26 of this year's Finance Act and there is no power to waive those limits.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Will not the Financial Secretary reconsider this matter, in view of the importance of a deceased person's accounts being cleared up without a lengthy and expensive legal process, which may run on for years?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

As was fully explained at the time when the legislation was going through the House, none of these eventualities need arise. The thing is quite simple.

57. Mr. T. J. Brooks

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider at an early date the payment of postwar credits in cases of illness and proved hardship covered by medical evidence; and when he intends to make a general payment of postwar credits.

58. Mr. Hoy

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the repayment of postwar credits to persons who have been in receipt of Workmen's Compensation or National Health Insurance benefits for more than one year.

60. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to encourage national savings, he will give an assurance that the Government have no intention of further taxing capital.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

My right hon. Friend has noted my hon. Friends' suggestion, but they will not expect him to anticipate his Budget Statement.

Mr. Brooks

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is serious hardship among these people who are ill, and will he do something about their position?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

It is very difficult. As has been said on many occasions, in reply to similar Questions, it is very difficult to know just where one can draw the line on hardship in these matters.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that no good purpose whatever is served by permitting the continuance of the state of affairs in which public assistance has to be given to persons who have financial claims against the Treasury which are unnecessarily deferred?