HC Deb 29 October 1952 vol 505 cc1898-9
2. Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that certain agents are approaching householders after their property has been damaged by aircraft, offering to negotiate compensation on a percentage commission basis; and if he will give publicity to the recognised procedure in order to discourage this practice at a time when people are still suffering from shock.

Mr. Ward

I am aware that householders have on occasion been exploited in this way. The Air Ministry accepts an automatic responsibility to pay compensation to householders whose property has been damaged by Royal Air Force aircraft. Our assessors are on the spot as soon as possible after an accident to advise householders how to present their claims, which can usually be settled without other assistance.

Where, however, householders have complicated claims or wish to employ their own agent, they are strongly advised to call in a firm which is a member of one of the recognised professional bodies and does not canvass for custom or work on commission.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this matter, and I hope that by so doing, he will have done something to check these undesirable activities.

Mr. Morrison

In thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him whether he will emphasise that it is always unwise in these cases too hastily to employ strangers?

Mr. Ward

Yes, Sir. I hope that the public will take note that anyone who, under these conditions, comes touting for business on a commission basis is not a proper person with whom to deal.