HC Deb 26 July 1949 vol 467 cc2230-1
25. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is satisfied that claims in respect of loss of development rights under the Town and Country Planning Act have now been submitted by the persons affected.

The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Silkin)

I am satisfied that from June, 1948, onwards everything practicable was done to inform owners of interests in land depreciated in value as the result of the Act of their right to make a claim and of the closing date therefore.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman also satisfied that in fact all or most of the people concerned, particularly owners of small plots of land, really are aware of this; and can he assure the House that we shall not have in some years the same sort of situation that has arisen with the War Damage Commission over late claims?

Mr. Silkin

I cannot, of course, answer the question specifically, but my belief is that by far the vast majority of people have made a claim.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

Have any claims come in since the beginning of the month; and if so, how many?

Mr. Silkin

I cannot say.

Brigadier Medlicott

Has the number of claims received come within reach of the number anticipated?

Mr. Silkin

It has over-reached the number estimated.