HC Deb 19 June 1941 vol 372 cc842-3W
Mr. Craik Henderson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a man who insured, on 16th June, against war damage to chattels gets six weeks longer cover for the same payment as a man who insured on 14th June; and whether he proposes to take any steps to remedy this matter?

Captain Waterhouse

The period of grace for insurance under the private chattels scheme was extended from 31st May until 15th June in response to a wide demand that further protection should be given to those who wished to insure but were unable to do so by 31st May. The man who has not insured until 16th June has carried his own risk since 1st May, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to take any steps in the matter.

Sir T. Moore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the War Damage Act, the tenant can include in his claim for compensation the cost of removing the debris of his house, particularly in view of the fact that the local authorities who carry out this work can charge him with the cost?

Sir K. Wood

Where debris is cleared from a damaged property at the expense of the owner or tenant, and he is entitled to a cost of works payment from the War Damage Commission, he may include the cost of clearance as an item in the claim. In cases where a value payment is appropriate, the amount ultimately payable to the owners of the proprietary interests in the property is calculated so as to cover the cost of clearance.

Captain Plugge

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer approximately how many claims for compensation under Part I of the War Damage Act have been already paid; and what is the maximum amount thus paid?

Sir K. Wood

The total amount paid by the War Damage Commission up to the 13th June in respect of the repair of war damage was slightly over £4,000,000. This includes payments to local authorities on account of so-called "first-aid" repairs. The number of individual claims settled up to that date was 1,433 the total amount involved being £20,971. The largest sum paid to an individual claimant was £149.