§ MR. FIELDTo ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that certain tenants residing in Camberwell New Road received a peremptory notice to give up, without compensation or reduction of rent, the greater portion of their back gardens, under penalty of eviction; whether he is aware that blocks of buildings are being erected close to the backs of the existing 677 houses, almost to the exclusion of necessary light and air; and whether he will have this matter inquired into and reported upon by the local authority's surveyor.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I have made inquiry on this subject, and am informed that it is the fact that the greater portion of the back gardens of the houses in question has been taken away and that a garage is being erected on the site. I understand that a clear space of about twenty feet from the back walk of the houses has been left, and that the district surveyor has been instructed by the Building Act Committee of the London County Council to report if any infringement of the Act takes place. The matter is not one with respect to which the Local Government Board have any jurisdiction.