§ 6. Mr. Thurtleasked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to name a date for the payment of agreed business war damage claims in respect of such things as plant and machinery, seeing that some of these have now been outstanding for over seven years.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 13th November to the right hon. Member for the City of London (Mr. Assheton).
§ Mr. ThurtleDoes not my right hon. Friend think that it is a great hardship to these people to have to wait so long, and if they are prepared to give an undertaking that they would not use their money for the purpose of buying plant and machinery, would he make arrangements whereby they could get the capital they require in order to live?
§ Mr. WilsonI think that my hon. Friend knows that we have made it clear that the money can be paid where replacement or repair of goods destroyed or damaged is expedient in the public interest, or where payment is necessary to avoid undue hardship.
§ Mr. ButcherIs it not a fact that these people paid premiums for this insurance, and should not they receive the amount of their loss under it?
§ Mr. WilsonYes, Sir, in time.
§ 7. Mr. Marloweasked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware 1309 that many persons whose business equipment and office furniture were destroyed by bombing as early as 1940 have long ago purchased all the furniture they needed to re-equip the new offices where they now conduct their business; and if he will arrange to pay war damage compensation under the business scheme in such cases without waiting for improvement in the supply position.
§ Mr. H. WilsonNo, Sir. The Board of Trade are empowered to pay any claim in whole or in part only if they are satisfied that the replacement or repair of the goods is expedient in the public interest, but I am, of course, prepared to consider any particular cases which the hon. and learned Member has in mind.
§ Mr. MarloweWas not the whole object of withholding this compensation from those entitled to it, to discourage them from buying furniture and equipment, and where they have already bought it, what is the purpose of still withholding compensation?
§ Mr. WilsonIf they were to be paid, it would involve paying out to a large number of other people who have not yet bought it.
§ Mr. MarloweWould the right hon. Gentleman address his mind to the Question? I did not ask about others, I asked about those who had already replaced their furniture and equipment.
§ Mr. WilsonAs I have said, it would be, obviously, very unfair to pay it to some and not to others.