HC Deb 28 June 1955 vol 543 cc185-6
36. Mr. Braise

asked the Secretary of State for War why compensation for internal repairs carried out by the War Department tenants of Landwick Cottages, Great Wakering, following the flood disaster of 1953, has not yet been paid by the War Department, notwithstanding that funds for this purpose were advanced by the Lord Mayor's National Flood and Tempest Distress Fund on 6th October, 1954.

Mr. Head

We are arranging for this compensation to be paid. I regret that there has been delay.

Mr. Braine

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, and noting that payment has been effected only since the Question appeared on the Order Paper, may I ask if he is aware that, not only have my constituents not been paid the compensation to which they are entitled for work carried out over a year ago, but that the distribution committee of the Lord Mayor's Fund has been unable to get a satisfactory answer from the War Department for months past? In view of this dilatoriness, will my right hon. Friend look into the matter?

Mr. Head

I did look into that matter. Although I apologise for the delay, I should add that there were claims which should have been made which did not come in. Perhaps we should have written and asked for the claims, but we did not.