§ Mr. Oliverasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make representations to building societies to discontinue, in the case of members serving in His Majesty's Forces, the peace-time practice of imposing fines for failing to pay at the appointed date instalments due on mortgages; and whether a similar right may be extended to other members where delay in the payments of instalments is due to war-time conditions?
§ Captain CrookshankProtection is already given by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act to mortgagors who are unable immediately to meet their obligations for reasons arising out of the war. In order further to safeguard members serving in the Forces, it is proposed to strengthen the powers of the Courts under the Act. My hon. Friend w ill realise that consistent delays in the payment of instalments would have an appreciable effect on building societies' funds, and my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in proposing arrangements in the case of obligations to building societies different from those which are made in the case of analogous obligations as affected by the war.