HC Deb 28 July 1953 vol 518 cc1070-2
14. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the widespread demand for a change in the method of repayment of post-war credits; and whether he will appoint a Select Committee to consider the problem from a human as well as a financial aspect and to make recommendations for the relief of hardship and the removal of anomalies.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am aware of the general concern over the problem of postwar credits. The question of paying in hardship cases has, however, been fully examined under successive Administrations, and I must therefore answer the last part of the Question in the negative.

Mr. Jeger

Is the Chancellor's mind closed to the possibilities of changing the present method of paying out post-war credits? Will not he offer some help to those people who feel very upset and embarrassed at the present method of paying them?

Mr. Butler

My mind is not closed at all. I am fully sympathetic with the cases, but I do not want to hold out any false hopes, and therefore I prefer to say no more.

29. Mr. F. Willey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will institute an inquiry to examine the possibility of paying post-war credits in cases of special hardship.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I do not think that a special inquiry into this matter would help to overcome the very real difficulties of which I am aware.

Mr. Willey

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that such an inquiry might help him? Different Treasury Ministers at various times have said that the main difficulty is administrative. Would it not be a good thing to have a fresh look at this matter to see whether those difficulties could be overcome?

Mr. Butler

I must sincerely say that we are aware of the difficulties and have the information. If there is any fault or blame it could be laid at my door for not having been able to do this, but I have not yet been able conscientiously to do it.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that many poorer people who are suffering hardships feel, and have felt for a long time, that it would have been better for him to have repaid those post-war credits to the poorer people than to have given Income Tax rebates to the rich in the last Budget?

Mr. Butler

The object of the Budget was to stimulate production and in that way to help all classes in the country and to save our national position. I am glad to say that the Budget is already having a beneficial effect in this direction.

Sir H. Williams

Does not the Chancellor agree that if any private person treated his creditors as badly as the State treats its creditors, he would probably land in jail?