§ 34. Mr. Monslowasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that squatters in Fort Walney have been threatened with eviction in order to make room for Poles and that the squatters, because of the housing shortage in Barrow, have no other place to go; and whether, in these circumstances, he will secure the withdrawal of the civil proceedings which have been commenced against them, including the claim for £100 damages in respect of alleged trespass.
§ Mr. BellengerI am aware that proceedings are being taken to evict these squatters. It is, however, not the intention that the fort should ultimately be occupied by Poles, who are there only temporarily, pending occupation by Coast Defence personnel. The presence of emplaced guns with ammunition and explosives is a further reason why the squatters cannot be allowed to remain. I regret, therefore, that I am not prepared to intervene. My Department has however, offered some surplus huts as alternative accommodation