HC Deb 14 March 1919 vol 113 cc1613-4W
Mr. SAMUEL SAMUEL

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the profit made by the Government on the anti-aircraft insurance, the Government will reconsider their decision to only pay claims for damage done after the 1st September, 1917; how this arbitrary date was arrived at; and is he aware that the withholding of compensation is causing ruin to many poor traders and professional men?

Mr. BALDWIN

It is not considered practicable to admit claims for damage done by air raids prior to 1st September, 1917, under the Government scheme of free insurance, which was inaugurated in November of that year. The date 1st September was decided upon after full consideration as the earliest period from which it would be possible to ascertain precisely the facts as to damage occasioned by air raids and to assess compensation. As regards the last part of the question, I would point out that the Government Committee on the Prevention and Relief of Distress (Local Government Board) were authorised in January, 1918, to assist from Government funds persons of comparatively small means who suffered substantial hardship through loss of furniture, tools, and necessary clothing owing to air raids occurring prior to 1st September, 1917.

Captain Sir B. STANIER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Air Raid Compensation Committee are now able to settle the claim made by Miss Nunnerley, of Alport House, Whitchurch, Shropshire, for the damage done to her house by a falling aircraft on 20th January, 1918?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Miss Nunnerley's claim does not fall within the scope of the scheme administered by the Air Raid Compensation Committee, and they are, therefore, unable to award her any compensation. The damage in her case was, however, caused by a British aeroplane engaged in practice flying, and as the Air Ministry are empowered to pay compensation for damage caused in this way, the particulars of the claim were transmitted to that Department on the 27th January last.