HC Deb 19 November 1946 vol 430 c681
48. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the cases of hardship involved, further consideration can now be given to the possibility of the payment of compensation in respect of rent of alternative accommodation taken in place of houses destroyed by enemy action.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

My right hon. Friend is afraid that he could not undertake to bring expenses of this kind generally within the field of public compensation.

Mr. Dumpleton

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are many cases of real hardship in this connection, and that the compensation receivable is much less than the expenses incurred, and will he ask his right hon. Friend carefully to review the matter?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

My right hon. Friend and I have looked at this matter very carefully, and we agreed that there are cases of great hardship. The trouble is that we cannot legislate for hardship cases; I wish we could. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Not in these cases.