Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, whether he is aware of the hardships incurred by certain business concerns and small factories whose premises have been requisitioned by the Government, and who have been informed by the district surveyors that the compensation they will receive amounts to less than the rent they will have to pay to the owner of the premises and who, in many cases, have additionally to pay the insurance of the building and also the cost of removal of machinery; and whether the position of those who were compelled to join forces and form nucleus groups can be reviewed?
§ Mr. HicksIn reply to the first part of the Question, I am not aware of any cases in which firms have been told by officers of my Department that they will receive less compensation than the rent they have to pay to the owner of the premises, but I should be glad to investigate any instances which my hon. Friend may bring to my notice. Arrangements are made, in appropriate cases, for a refund of whole or part of the fire insurance premiums; and the cost of removal of machinery, where this is done in order to comply with Government instructions, 1953W can be claimed under Section 2 (1) (d) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. With regard to the second part of the Question, I suggest that the hon. Member should address a separate question to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.