§ Mr. Russellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for how much longer he considers it will be necessary to maintain 39W the War Damage Commission in existence; and what provisions will be made for absorbing its remaining staff in other employment.
§ Mr. SimonNo date has been yet fixed for winding up the War Damage Commission, for which legislation would be necessary. The completion of outstanding cases does not depend on the Commission but on when the owners of war damage properties are able to carry out the work of reinstatement. Although the work is steadily decreasing, war damage payments in 1958–59 still amounted to £18½ million and the estimated figure for the next two financial years is £17½ million and £15 million.
The existing staff numbers just over 400, having been reduced very substantially over recent years. It will be reduced still further in the coming year by retirements, by the termination of temporary appointments and by the transfer of established staff to other departments through the normal inter-departmental arrangements.