§ Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government intend introducing any scheme of compensation to householders for the loss of the use of their homes through enemy action?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir. The matter was discussed recently during the passage of the War Damage (Amendment) Bill and for the reason then given, compensation cannot be paid in respect of the loss of use of homes through enemy action.
§ Mr. Channonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that properties are often reinstated under the War Damage Act without any inspection by assessors being made prior to the work being executed; and whether he will see that such an inspection is carried out in the future?
§ Sir K. WoodI have referred this matter to the War Damage Commission who inform me that the steps necessary to enable the Commission to exercise its statutory function of determining proper cost, are matters for the Commission, and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene.
§ Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government intend to take steps to see that the ground landlord affords leaseholders whose 346W premises have been bombed some relief in respect of ground rent thereby equalising the sacrifice?
§ Sir K. WoodI would invite the attention of my hon. Friend to the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Acts, 1939 and 1941, which give tenants a measure of relief in respect of rent when their property suffers war damage.