§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the War Damage Commission, in making payments for work in progress, deduct 25 per cent, from the total cost of the work executed instead of 10 per cent., which is the usually accepted practice, and that by so doing cause hardship, particularly to small builders, and whether in future he will ensure that the usual practice is observed.
§ Sir J. AndersonI regret that it would not be possible for the War Damage Commission (who are not, of course, in the position of the ordinary building owner) generally to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. In cases where the Commission are consulted by the owners in advance in order to agree the work to be done and the basis of contract, they are prepared, as stated in their explanatory pamphlet ROD. I, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, to make instalment payments as the work progresses, retaining only the usual 10 per cent. This procedure is impracticable, however, where the claim submitted with the builder's account after the work has been executed is the first intimation to the Commission that the war damage has been wholly or partially made good. To meet these cases it is the Commission's normal practice in claims over £100 to make an immediate payment on account up to 75 per cent., pending final examination of the claim, but they are satisfied that they could not safely go further. I650W am not aware that hardship results, but if my hon. Friend has any individual case or cases in mind and will send me particulars, the Commission will be glad to have them investigated at once.