§ Mr. G. Hutchinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction felt by persons entitled to value payments under the War Damage Act, with the sums at which their claims have been assessed, he is satisfied that the present basis and methods of assessment are capable of ensuring a just and equitable settlement.
§ Sir J. AndersonI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 16th November to the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams), of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. Butcherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as the War Damage Commission in some measure executes its duties under general regulations made by the Treasury, he will give an assurance that hon. Members may make representations to him, either by letter or Parliamentary Question, on behalf of their constituents.
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir. Parliament however, has deliberately conferred a wide measure of discretion, much of it of a quasi-judicial character, on the War Damage Commission, and my predecessor gave a categoric assurance on 23rd January, 1941, in response to representations 1063W from hon. Members, that there would be no attempt by the Treasury to give other than general directions to the Commission [HANSARD, Columns 336–344]. As my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Major Markham) was informed on 18th October [HANSARD, Column 2395], I do not, therefore, think it appropriate to answer Questions in the House on individual cases of war damage.