HC Deb 03 March 1953 vol 512 c181
24. Mr. Odey

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total of the claims submitted under the insurance of business chattels provided for by Part II of the War Damage Act, 1943; and what proportion of the total claims made have already been paid.

Mr. H. Strauss

The total of the claims under the business scheme of Part II of the War Damage Act, 1943, is approximately £92 million, of which £66 million has already been paid. This does not include interest.

Mr. Odey

Would my hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that the general public were encouraged by the Government to insure under this scheme at the time? Is it not most unsatisfactory that more than 10 years should have passed with a large number of these claims not having been met?

Mr. Strauss

If my hon. Friend will refer to the statute, he will see that under Section 85 (1) the general settlement of claims must await the fixing of a date by the Treasury.

Mr. Odey

That is a most unsatisfactory answer.