HC Deb 13 August 1940 vol 364 cc617-8W
Lieut.-Colonel Guest

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will issue a code of instructions so that householders who have suffered destruction or damage to their homes by enemy action may claim compensation from the Government for immediate repair or replacement of their damaged property, or, alternatively, whether he will consider a scheme of national insurance whereby householders may mutually insure their property against destruction or damage by enemy action, so that their homes may be rebuilt without undue delay?

Sir K. Wood

The Government's scheme of compensation for war damage to property was announced in the House on 31st January, 1939, and provided for the payment of compensation after the war in accordance with a scale which would depend on the total amount of the damage and the financial circumstances of the country. Provision has also been made in the Housing (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, and the Essential Buildings and Plant (Repair of War Damage) Act, 1939, for essential repairs, the cost being met out of Government loans. Arrangements have also been made, and were described in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Holmes) on 6th June, 1940, whereby advance payments of compensation up to limited amounts will be made in respect of damage to essential household furniture where the total income of the claimant's household does not exceed £400 a year and in respect of damage to personal clothing where the total income of the claimant does not exceed £250 a year if there are no dependants or £400 a year if there are dependants. Those whose property has suffered damage should make a claim for compensation on a form which can be obtained in Great Britain at the local town hall or the office of the local authority or at the office of the local district valuer, Inland Revenue Department, or in Northern Ireland at the office of the Commissioner of Valuation, Armagh House, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast. Those desiring to take advantage of the arrangements for advances in respect of damaged furniture and clothing should apply to the local officer of the Assistance Board. The preparation of a leaflet drawing attention to these various arrangements is now in hand.