§ 4. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that some assessors of flood damage in Cardiff are insisting on renewals of furniture being second-hand; whether the Government have issued regulations to this effect; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe assessors of flood damage in Cardiff are not insisting on renewals of furniture being second-hand, but the basis of compensation is good second-hand value. This was the basis adopted in administering the Lord Mayor's Fund for the East Coast floods of 1953; and I have suggested that on this occasion all the voluntary funds should adopt it.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Minister aware that the people of Cardiff find it hard to distinguish between second-hand value and being told that they must buy second-hand? Will the Minister realise that when people have lost items from their homes they do not all like to 1110 put second-hand things in their place? Will he give further consideration to this in view of the fact that a great deal of publicity has been given to the idea that those who have lost would be adequately compensated?
§ Mr. BrookeThe instruction is that in valuing a liberal view should be taken of the pre-flood conditions, that is, the value should relate to good second-hand condition. If the hon. Member has the misfortune to have his car stolen, he will not find that the insurance company will give him a new car. It will give him the value of what he has lost.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.