War Risks to Buildings
All those who are interested in houses and other fixed property have been long waiting to know what compensation they will get in the event of destruction from enemy action. Since such action is directed against the whole com- munity and not individual owners, it is reasonably main- tained that the whole community should shoulder the loss by paying compensation. Insurance companies have refused to undertake such incalculable risks, and the Government attitude has been that it would provide for prompt repairs of buildings whose restoration is essential, and after the war would pay compensation on the highest scale compatible with the general situation of the country. This vague undertaking was not enough to give any sense of adequate security. The report of the Weir Committee appointed by the Govern- rrint does not go far to modify its previous decisions except that, in regard to the proposal to pay compensation in full Up to a certain limit, it sees no justification for the proposal to grade above that limit. The chief value of the statement of Government policy which is published with the Report is that it emphasises that the payment of "compensation in full" is the "desirable objective." To that the Government will, of course, be held ; but it is all very vague, and still leaves property-owners without adequate security.
Previous page
