HC Deb 22 October 1946 vol 427 c1478
58. Earl Winterton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that hardship is being caused to owners of war-damaged property entitled to Value Payments under the War Damage Act, by the withholding alike of the capital payment and interest thereon; and whether, in view of the fact that much of the damage occurred in 1940, he will now authorise payments to be made

Mr. Dalton

I have this question very much in mind, and am working on it now.

Earl Winterton

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it was implicit in the Act of Parliament, even though it was not so stated anywhere, that these moneys, some of which are owing to people who lost their all by destruction of a single house, would be paid as soon as reasonably possible after the war?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir. We have had that matter very much in mind. As I have said, I am anxious soon to work out an equitable arrangement but, as the noble Lord knows, there are many considerations, including the possibility of replacing the house.

Mr. Medland

Will the Chancellor bear in mind that immediately before the Recess he promised that he would make a statement on this matter in October? Will he say whether he intends to implement that promise?

Mr. Dalton

I do not know whether the promise which I gave was exactly what my hon. Friend said. If it was, I hope he will accept the answer which I have made to the noble Lord.