HC Deb 10 May 1949 vol 464 c1657
55. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many personal interviews have been granted in the last 12 months by the Chairman of the War Damage Commission to persons desirous of raising with him questions with reference to decisions of the Commission.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I am informed by the Chairman of the War Damage Commission that statistical records are not kept of the number of such interviews, but that it must be very large.

He cannot, however, undertake to interview claimants or their advisers personally on individual cases, if only because the number of notified claims is over 3½ million. He is always, of course, ready to see an hon. Member about cases raised by his constituents, or to arrange for applicants themselves to be seen by senior officers as appropriate.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does the Chairman follow the salutary practice of granting an interview in cases where there is a conflict between officials of the Commission and members of the public, and in which substantial issues are raised?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The Chairman of the War Damage Commission follows the practice I have outlined?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

What does that mean?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

He sees hon. Members.