HC Deb 11 November 1941 vol 374 cc2069-70W
Sir G. Broadbridge

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total, in money, of registered claims under Part I of the War Damage Act; how much of that total represents the City of London; and how much to date has been paid out in complete satisfaction of claims and on account of claims?

Sir K. Wood

The information asked for is not in the main available, nor is it in the public interest to give particulars.

Sir G. Broadbridge

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of the first contribution assessment under Part I of the War Damage Act; what is the total amount that has been received; how much is unpaid; and what course does the Government propose to pursue in order to recover arrears of contributions and when?

Sir K. Wood

The assessments of the first instalment of the War Damage Contribution amount to about £39,500,000, of which about £28,000,000 has been received and £11,500,000 unpaid. Part of the latter amount will be recovered by deduction from "value payments" to be made after the war, and a further part is not recoverable so long as the Inland Revenue Department is satisfied that by reason of war damage properties are unfit for their normal use. As regards the last part of the Question, the ordinary procedure for recovery of arrears of Income Tax will in general be followed for recovery of arrears of the Contribution.