§ Mr. Blackasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount of premiums collected and the total amount so far paid out in settlement of claims under Part 2 of the War Damage Act; and when it is proposed to make payments in settlement of the remaining agreed claims.
§ Mr. RhodesAs regards the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19th October to the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd). As regards the second part, I regret that it is not possible at present to make any statement as to when these payments will be made. Advance payments are, however, being made where the Board of Trade are satisfied that the replacement or repair of the goods is expedient in the public interest or that payment is necessary to avoid undue hardship. The sum of £46 million exclusive of interest has already been paid out on these grounds.