§ 83. Mr. G. Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hardship caused to business firms who have to replace bomb-damaged fixtures and fittings out of income, although the charge is not allowable against Income Tax; and whether he will now make some payment under the Repayment of War Damage (Commodities) Act to such business firms.
§ Mr. BottomleyI am not aware of the difficulties referred to by my hon. Friend in the first part of his Question, but if he will send me particulars of any case he has in mind I shall be glad to have it looked into. As regards the second part, the Board of Trade are already empowered to pay claims in advance of the date of general settlement if they are satisfied that replacement or repair of the goods is expedient in the public interest, and we are always ready to consider applications.