HC Deb 02 July 1953 vol 517 cc574-6
29. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has now been paid out in compensation and relief to those who suffered in last winter's tempest and flood in Great Britain as a whole and in the county of Essex; approximately what sum is still to be disbursed on claims outstanding; and to what extent claims are now being considered in respect of property, such as holiday chalets or beach huts, whose owners' qualification for compensation has been regarded as marginal.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

My right hon. and learned Friend is informed by the Lord Mayor that up to 26th June, £2,636,000 had been paid out in Great Britain, including £950,700 in the county of Essex. It is not possible to say what sum remains unpaid on outstanding applications.

The latest information on the policy of the Fund towards claims in respect of damage to holiday chalets and beach huts is contained in the Memorandum of Guidance No. 6, a copy of which is available in the Library.

Mr. Driberg

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the figures he has quoted about the Lord Mayor's Fund cover all the money that has now been paid out, and whether the Lord Mayor's Fund is now being used exclusively for what was thought to be its proper original purpose—that is, to relieve individual cases of hardship rather than to pay large sums in compensation to firms?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I think that the answer to that question is "Yes." The Fund is now being used for the purpose which I have indicated in my answer.

31. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the concern at the substantial number of mailbags and sacks containing gifts intended for flood victims which still remain unopened; and, in view of the generosity of the public, if he will make a statement on the present position.

43. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the matter of the deterioration of clothing sent by the public for flood victims, in view of the information sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer which my right hon. and learned Friend gave on 25th June to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. Dodds

Does the hon. Gentleman not appreciate that many statements have been made since then about the mountains of parcels that have not yet been opened? Does not the Government think that in view of the kindness of the public they have an obligation to see that volunteers are available to get these parcels opened?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

The evidence which has been given of these mountains of parcels has not always been correct. In one case a photograph was published in the Press of a mountain of parcels which consisted, in fact, of sorted and clean clothing awaiting despatch. The hon. Member should be sure of his facts before making allegations of this kind.

Mr. Dodds

Is the Minister not aware of the statement which was made 10 days ago by the Cambridgeshire regional organiser of the W.V.S. that she had only two women at one depot, who were working 12 hours a day, and that if she had 20 women the work would be completed by the end of July? Has the hon. Gentleman not made inquiries about the position from the London headquarters of the W.V.S., which is only a few hundred yards from this Chamber? I have done so.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

The hon. Member will see from the answer given on 25th June that the W.V.S. state that they have no evidence whatsoever to the effect which he suggests.

Mr. Driberg

Does the Minister say definitely, then, that all the parcels have been opened?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I do not say that they have all been opened, but I say that there is no evidence that the clothes are being destroyed, as has been suggested.