§ Mr. Guyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to pay out the outstanding balances due to bombed-out families under the War Damage Act, 1941, Part II.
§ Sir J. AndersonI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16th May to the hon. and gallant Member for Withington (Squadron-Leader Fleming).
§ Mr. Douglasasked the President of the Board of Trade what have been the totals since the commencement of the war to the end of the last financial year of the premiums received, the compensation paid 1482W and the expenses of administering the Private Chattels Scheme of war damage compensation.
§ Mr. LytteltonUp to 31st March, 1945, nearly £16,000,000 had been received in premiums, but as every person was entitled to a certain amount of free cover, the premiums received relate only to suplementary cover desired in excess of that amount. It is estimated that premiums have covered payments for claims made under policies for supplementary cover, that is, above the minimum free cover. The War Damage Act provides that, except in certain circumstances specified therein, payment under the scheme is to be deferred to a date to be specified in Treasury Regulations. Up to 31st March last, £42,000,000 had actually been paid and Deferment Notes issued for £27,500,000. There were at that date outstanding liabilities estimated at approximately £13,000,000.
The scheme has been administered on behalf of the Board of Trade largely by other Government Departments, and it would not be possible without elaborate investigation to estimate the cost of administration, but £1,100,000 has been paid to the Board's agents.