§ 36. Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the War Damage Commission, Malaya, is paying, in some cases, only one-third of the sum claimed for the loss of chattels through enemy action 11 years after the loss was sustained; and if he will take steps to ensure that war damage claims are settled expeditiously and in full in that country.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe Malayan War Damage Scheme was not designed to give full compensation, and the law establishing the War Damage Fund limited payments for chattel losses to $50,000,000 (Malayan) against claims of $200,000,000.
Payments are made by a succession of dividends as claims are assessed and funds become available annually. The War Damage Commission has been operating only for two years and I am satisfied that its work is proceeding as rapidly as possible in all the circumstances.
§ Mr. BurdenIs my right hon. Friend satisfied with the amounts now being paid, sometimes in full settlement, which represent only one-third of the claims made in 1940, and, in view of the vast increase in the cost of replacement, will he look at this matter to see if something cannot be done to make the payments more equitable?
§ Mr. LytteltonI have this matter always in mind and will do my best to accelerate the settlement of the claims.