HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 c738
42. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if the replacement of dwellings acquired under the Town and Country Planning Act is to be restricted to maximum selling price and superficial area on the same basis as applies to war damage property payments; or is it to be related to the floor area and value of the displaced property.

Mr. Silkin

Under Section 30 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1944, as amended and incorporated in the 1947 Act, the criterion is the reasonable requirements of the displaced person. Normally the basis to be adopted will be that used for war damage value payments, but special treatment will be possible in exceptional circumstances.

Mr. Awbery

Is it the position that a house which has been damaged by enemy action, the site of which is subsequently taken under the Town and Country Planning Act, is to be dealt with under the War Damage Act, with its restrictions on superficial area and selling price, or is it to be dealt with under the Town and Country Planning Act, where there is no such restriction?

Mr. Silkin

That is the question I have tried to answer. Broadly, we will try to provide equivalent accommodation, unless the circumstances are exceptional.