HC Deb 10 March 1953 vol 512 cc1119-20
40. Mr. Odey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now settle all claims still outstanding for business chattels insured under Part II of the War Damage Act, 1943.

41. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he anticipates the commencement of payments under Part II of the War Damage Act, 1943.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Brigadier Clarke) on 25th November last.

Mr. Odey

Will the Financial Secretary bear in mind that hon. Members on this side of the House at any rate, and, I imagine, many hon. Members opposite, expect the Government to act in these matters according to the finest principles of human conduct, and that it is wrong to accept a premium and then not be prepared to pay claims?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My hon. Friend will, no doubt, be aware that out of an original total of £92 million, £67 million has already been paid.