HC Deb 12 July 1949 vol 467 cc205-6
47. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state for the guidance of those persons still negotiating with the War Damage Commission, what factors are taken into consideration when deciding whether a late notification is due to most exceptional circumstances; and whether dangerous and nerve-straining rescue work with the Civil Defence service at the time of an incident is included in this category.

Sir S. Cripps

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a similar Question on 25th January, 1949.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the undiplomatic and sometimes arbitrary behaviour of the War Damage Commission is causing great distress to many deserving people, and will he ask them to be a little more sympathetic in cases of this kind? Could he not, perhaps, himself give a more sympathetic answer?

Sir S. Cripps

I think they are extremely sympathetic. On many occasions I have looked into this matter and discussed it with various Members of the House of Commons.

Mrs. Middleton

Is not my right hon. and learned Friend aware that on both sides of the House there are many Members who can bear out from their personal experience the views which have been put to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Mr. F. Noel-Baker)?