§ 58. Mr. Medlandasked 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. DaltonAs 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. MedlandCan 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. DaltonThis year is nearer than next year.
§ Mr. MolsonDoes 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. DaltonThat 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.