§ Mrs. Middletonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make about the basis of compensation on the acquisition of properties in reconstruction areas.
§ Mr. DaltonThe Government have carefully and sympathetically examined the proposal that where a war damaged property qualified for a cost of works payment is acquired with a view to reconstruction of the area in which it stands the 383W right to the cost of works payment should be transferable to some other site. They regret that they have found this proposal to be impracticable and that they cannot adopt it. They have, however, considered the basis on which monetary compensation is paid in such cases, and also on compulsory acquisition of property generally, and they have decided that the maximum supplementary payment to owner-occupiers which is now 30 per cent. should in future be 60 per cent. An order, which will require an affirmative resolution of each House of Parliament, will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible.