§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Attorney-General whether any arrangements have been made for a partial moratorium with regard to rent and rates payable by seaside boarding-house keepers whose business has been ruined by the refusal of the military authorities to allow visitors to come into the area for their holidays; and whether any scheme has yet been formulated for enabling these people to live in the meanwhile?
§ The Attorney-GeneralYes, Sir. A limited moratorium applyinginter alia to rent and rates is in force in areas declared to be evacuation areas under the Defence (Evacuation Areas) Regulations, 1940. State assistance is also available for the prevention and relief of distress under the scheme administered by the Assistance Board. The question whether any further steps are desirable and practicable is now under active consideration by the Government.
§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Prime Minister whether the Government has yet considered as a whole the numerous problems raised in connection with the hardships and liabilities of the population of those areas of the country which have been partially evacuated in connection with defence measures; and what remedial action it is proposed to take?
§ Mr. AttleeA full investigation is being made into this matter, but I regret that it is not yet complete. The problems involved are, as my hon. Friend recognises, numerous and difficult.
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§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Prime Minister whether he can now make any statement as to the position of persons who have invested their savings in seaside property or businesses in defence areas which are now valueless since visitors are no longer allowed by the military; and whether any means has now been devised to enable these people to live and to meet their obligations?
§ Mr. AttleeI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I have given to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle).