HC Deb 17 April 1918 vol 105 c400
48. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the suggestion that persons who have a residence in London or elsewhere in this country should not be allowed during the War to purchase small houses or cottages in the country and turn out the local people, who are engaged in many cases in work in the neighbour hood; and will he consider the advisability of such purchases being for bidden by the War Office under the Defence of the Realm Act as being against the prosecution of the War and tending to hinder the production of food?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I hope there may be an opportunity to-day for discussing the Bill which has reached this House from another place and which proposes to restrict the practice complained of.

Sir A. FELL

Will the Bill which is coming before us, or any Bill which is before the Government, deal with the acquisition of second houses in the country districts by persons in large towns during the present War?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

My hon. Friend had better wait until he sees the Bill and hears the discussion.