§ 23. Mr. Brintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on compensation for the owners of the cars damaged by the falling tree outside the Norman Shaw, North building in October 1981.
§ Sir George YoungAt my request the Treasury Solicitor is discussing with the North Thames Gas Board how claims for damage might be met.
§ Mr. BrintonI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Has he become aware that this interdepartmental nationalised industry pregnancy has now run its full term of nine months and that two secretaries of hon. Members have had their cars damaged and are considerably out of pocket? Cannot the Government recompense these secretaries while they continue arguing?
§ Sir George YoungOthers were affected, apart from the two secretaries. The tree fell because its roots were cut, but they were not cut by my Department. The finger of suspicion has alighted on the North Thames Gas Board, which was seen digging near the area shortly before the tree fell. Time-consuming inquiries were needed to ascertain exactly what had happened. I am having a meeting with the Treasury Solicitor next week and I hope that the matter can shortly be resolved.