HC Deb 20 March 1918 vol 104 cc983-4
56. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the number of applications that are being received by Members of Parliament, he can make some statement with regard to the position of the wives of sailors and soldiers who are threatened with eviction by their landlords, on the ground that the houses have been sold?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Montgomeryshire on Monday last.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Might I know what the answer was?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It was that this Bill was introduced in another place, and it would be proceeded with in this House as quickly as we possibly could.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Am I not right in thinking the Bill introduced in another place refers to action taken since 18th March, and the question refers to action taken before that date?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am afraid I cannot answer that detail. Perhaps my hon. Friend will wait until he sees the Bill.

Sir TUDOR WALTERS

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that these evictions are taking place now week by week to a very serious extent and are causing grave hardship to tenants who cannot find houses elsewhere?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am quite aware of that, and I hoped, if the Bill had passed in the other place yesterday, it would have been possible to deal with it in this House before the Recess. It did not pass, and I am afraid it must stand over.

Mr. SCANLAN

In view of the urgency of the matter, could not the right hon. Gentleman see his way to deal with the immediate question by Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have not myself examined that, but I am sure it is not possible or it would have been considered.