HC Deb 11 March 1947 vol 434 cc1132-3
58. Mr. Medland

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now announce when payment of war damage claims on total loss, under Part I of the War Damage Act, 1943, will be made; the total number of claims received and the total number paid up to 31st December, 1946, under Part II of the Act.

Mr. Dalton

As I have already stated, I hope that value payments will be made this year. The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Medland

Can my right hon. Friend come a little nearer? Next year is a long time to wait for those people who lost all their belongings in 1941.

Mr. Dalton

This year is nearer than next year.

Mr. Molson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that payment of this very large sum, at a time when goods and houses are in short supply, is likely to be very inflationary in its effect?

Mr. Dalton

That would be a matter for debate, but I am advised that it is less likely to have inflationary effects than almost any other large payment that could be made at the present time.