War Damage Claims

HC Deb 09 December 1948 vol 459 c562

56. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether war damage claims will now be favourably considered where local authorities ceased, without adequate publicity, to undertake war damage repairs.

Mr. Jay

The War Damage Commismission inform me that there has been no recent alteration of their policy in the treatment of late notifications, which was fully set out in an answer given to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) on 15th June last.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Minister aware that publicity has been given in the last few days to a new direction which seems to indicate that the category of claims included in this Question are now eligible for reconsideration and that a Treasury direction has been issued to the War Damage Commission?

Mr. Jay

I am aware of that publicity, and I am glad of the opportunity to correct it.

Mr. Braddock

Will my hon. Friend request the War Damage Commission to look into the dates on which they are basing their present policy?

Mr. Jay

Parliament has entrusted this job to the War Damage Commission, and I do not think it would be wise for us to intervene further at this late date.