HC Deb 10 May 1949 vol 464 cc1656-7
51. Mr. Gibson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claims for compensation for loss of development value have so far been made; and how much the total claims made to this date are.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The number of claims received up to the end of April was approximately 100,000. The amount is not known as claimants are not obliged to state the amount claimed.

Mr. Gibson

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the number of approximately 100,000 claims is up to the estimate which his Department originally thought would be the number of claims?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The number is quite academic. It is what the claims stand for, and as yet that is not known. I am sorry that without notice I cannot answer the question put to me by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Vane

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great strain put on professional men to get these claims in by the last day of June, which is the present tinal day, and will he consider extending the time?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The time has already been extended once and we cannot go on extending it.