§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the material extension of necessary repairs by local authorities to cover shop premises damaged by enemy action?
Mr. M. MacDonaldLocal authorities for areas which have suffered war damage are already so fully occupied with their many existing duties, including the "first-aid" repair of houses, that I feel unable to extend their labours as proposed. I would point out that arrangements already exist to provide for the expeditious release of materials for necessary first-aid repairs to shops, and the Essential Buildings and Plant (Repair of War Damage) Act, 1939, provides for loans to be advanced in suitable cases towards their repair by the appropriate Government Department. As my hon. Friend will be aware, such premises are covered as regards compensation by the War Damage Bill.