§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government are taking to safeguard people against unbearable loss of privately-owned houses and household effects from enemy action; and whether the Government are now prepared to institute a general scheme of homes insurance or mutual help with a view to relieving the grave apprehensions of those who have invested their all in their home?
§ Sir K. WoodI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject on 13th August to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Drake division of Plymouth (Lieut.-Colonel Guest) and in which I set out the arrangements made by the Government to assist those whose property suffers damage. As I then stated, a leaflet setting out the various arrangements is being prepared.
§ Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that some assistance boards are refusing to grant relief for the loss of goods and money in air-raids unless the loss is estimated at more than £5; and whether this stipulation is in accord with instructions issued by his Department?
§ Sir K. WoodThe payments made by the Assistance Board provide for damage caused to essential household furniture and personal clothing and are limited to cases where the total damage exceeds £5. The reason for this limit is that these payments are advances on account of the compensation to be paid after the war for war damage and such compensation will not be payable where the damage does not exceed £5. I am however considering whether discretion can be given to the local officer of the Assistance Board to give assistance below that limit in special cases.