Postwar Credits (Payment)

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 November 1946.

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Photo of Mr Daniel West Mr Daniel West , Pontypool 12:00, 19 November 1946

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider authorising the payment of postwar credits for the benefit of a deceased's estate, on the written application of personal representatives, in those cases where the deceased person would have been entitled to payment had he made written application therefor before his death.

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

Payment of postwar credit can be made only to claimants who have reached the age limits prescribed by Section 26 of this year's Finance Act and there is no power to waive those limits.

Photo of Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite , Holderness

Will not the Financial Secretary reconsider this matter, in view of the importance of a deceased person's accounts being cleared up without a lengthy and expensive legal process, which may run on for years?

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

As was fully explained at the time when the legislation was going through the House, none of these eventualities need arise. The thing is quite simple.

Photo of Mr Thomas Brooks Mr Thomas Brooks , Rothwell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider at an early date the payment of postwar credits in cases of illness and proved hardship covered by medical evidence; and when he intends to make a general payment of postwar credits.

Photo of Mr James Hoy Mr James Hoy , Leith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the repayment of postwar credits to persons who have been in receipt of Workmen's Compensation or National Health Insurance benefits for more than one year.

Photo of Sir John Mellor Sir John Mellor , Sutton Coldfield

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to encourage national savings, he will give an assurance that the Government have no intention of further taxing capital.

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

My right hon. Friend has noted my hon. Friends' suggestion, but they will not expect him to anticipate his Budget Statement.

Photo of Mr Thomas Brooks Mr Thomas Brooks , Rothwell

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is serious hardship among these people who are ill, and will he do something about their position?

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

It is very difficult. As has been said on many occasions, in reply to similar Questions, it is very difficult to know just where one can draw the line on hardship in these matters.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that no good purpose whatever is served by permitting the continuance of the state of affairs in which public assistance has to be given to persons who have financial claims against the Treasury which are unnecessarily deferred?