HC Deb 23 May 1950 vol 475 cc1850-1
66. Lieut.-Colonel Hyde

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to make payments generally on war damage claims by owners of small businesses whose plant and equipment have been damaged or destroyed.

Mr. Bottomley

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for Beverley (Mr. Odey) on 21st March last. He will notice that advance payments are already being made where this is necessary to avoid undue hardship.

Lieut.-Colonel Hyde

Is the Minister aware that there is still considerable dissatisfaction, particularly on the part of owners of small businesses whose claims have been agreed with the valuers but who are still anxiously awaiting payment of the claims to which they are entitled?

Mr. Bottomley

Claims of under £100 are dealt with at once.

Sir H. Williams

What would the Minister say about an assurance company which behaved in this way?