Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in districts where evacuation has been officially ordered, he will consider incorporating in the coming legislation a provision that the payment of ground rent and loan interest shall not be required for the period during which such evacuation is deemed essential on the understanding that the State will compensate where necessary?
§ Sir K. WoodMy hon. Friend will be aware that under the Evacuated Areas Regulations, 1941, certain sums payable in respect of premises situated in evacuation areas ace made irrecoverable during the evacuation period. These sums include ground rent and interest on loans secured on such premises. Parliament has already made provision for the relief of persons whose financial affairs have been detrimentally affected by war circumstances in the recent Liabilities (Wartime Adjustment) Act, 1941, and in the Courts (Emergency Powers) Acts. It would appear that the existing emergency legislation should suffice to afford proper relief.