§ 68. Mr. Odeyasked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to pay compensation for business chattels insured under Part II of the War Damage Act, 1943; and whether it is proposed to apply the same increase of 50 per cent. to the compensation for business chattels as has already been paid for private chattels.
Mr. H. WilsonI regret I cannot see any way at present to authorise a general payment of Business Scheme claims. The hon. Member will of course be aware that advance payments are being made where the Board of Trade are satisfied that the replacement or repair of the goods is104W expedient in the public interest or that payment is necessary to avoid undue hardship. The sum of £43¼ million, exclusive of interest, has already been paid on these grounds.
The answer to the second part of the Question is "No."