§ 37. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will give consideration to introducing an order to extend the time under which claims can be made for loss of development value.
§ Mr. LindgrenThis time limit was extended from 31st March, 1949, to 30th June, 1949, and my right hon. Friend has no reason to think that any further extension is called for.
§ Mr. MarshallWill the Minister look into cases of individual hardship, of men who have been fighting since 1944 and who have been without ready access either to newspapers or broadcasts?
§ Mr. LindgrenWe will look into any case, but I am assured that commanding officers of overseas units took particular care to see that the matter was called to the attention of serving members of the Forces.
§ Mr. BraineIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are many humble folk who invested their life savings in land before the war, intending to build and who, either through ignorance or lack of understanding of this complex piece of legislation, have failed to put in a claim in time and are suffering today? Does he realise that in practice this legislation is nothing short of legalised robbery?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe hon. Gentleman cannot expect me to agree with his last statement—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]—but this has been the subject of discussion for over 18 months, and 937,000 claims have been made. Generally speaking, I think it can be assumed that those who are concerned were well aware of the requirements of the Act.
§ Mr. MarloweIf the hon. Gentleman says he is not in favour of legalised robbery, will he say when he abandoned his Socialist principles?