§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the President of the Board of Trade why applications from fully insured bombed-out homeless people are required by His Majesty's Customs and Excise to undergo an examination of their means before an adequate advance can be obtained to start a new home.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe normal time for payment of claims under the Private Chattels Scheme, as provided by Section 85 of the War Damage Act, is to be specified in regulations to be made by the Treasury, and earlier payment can be made only if the claim is small (not more than £25 in the case of private chattels), or if the Board of Trade are satisfied either that the repair or replacement of the goods destroyed or damaged is expedient in the public interest or that it is expedient that the payment, or that part thereof, should be made to avoid undue hardship. Applications for early payment are dealt with by the Customs and Excise, acting on behalf of the Board of Trade, and it is their duty to make inquiries to establish whether the statutory conditions for early payment are fulfilled. The officers concerned are instructed to treat applicants sympathetically.