HC Deb 23 October 1945 vol 414 cc1952-3W
Lieut. - Colonel Bromley Davenport

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of his inability to give any date for complete settlement of claims under the War Damage (Chattels) Scheme, he will make arrangements to pay out as soon as possible on those claims where it can be established that there is hardship involved in the delay; and whether he will give a definite date as to when such concession will be made.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Section 85 of the War Damage Act, 1943, empowers the Board of Trade to make the whole or part of any payment in advance of the date of general payment if they are satisfied that it is expedient that the payment or that part thereof should be made to avoid undue hardship. Considerable sums have been, and continue to be, paid out under this provision.

Major Wise

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the hardship caused to many persons, particularly those over 65 years of age, who were solely dependent on rents from property which has been declared a total loss by the War Damage Commission but who are unable to obtain the value payment to which they are entitled under the War Damage Acts, 1941 and 1943, until a date is specified by the Treasury; and whether, in such cases, he will make a regulation so that an immediate payment on account can be made, or alternatively release at once the interest authorised by Section 8 (2), War Damage Act, 1941.

Mr. Dalton

I do not feel able to single out this class for special treatment. Section 10 of the War Damage Act, 1943, provides that interest shall be payable when a value payment is discharged, and there is no power under the Act to make an earlier payment of interest.

Earl Winterton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that claims for value payments under the War Damage Act submitted three years ago have neither been accepted nor rejected by the War Damage Commission and if, in view of the hardship being caused to owners, he will accelerate the consideration of claims.

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. Nearly all claims sent in before the middle of 1944 have been provisionally decided by the War Damage Commission and their decisions communicated to the owners. If the Noble Earl will send me any individual cases of hardship, I shall be glad to look into them.