§ 69. Mr. RENDALLasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the following facts in regard to Mr.' John Bendall, of High Street, Berkeley, Gloucestershire: That an ejectment order has been made against him, at the instance of the Earl of Berkeley, by the Berkeley magistrates; that Mr. Bendall has been foreman carpenter to the Earl and his predecessors for twenty years, is now fifty, and was given notice to quit because he accepted work of national importance when men of his age were brought under the Military Service Acts; that he bought, at great sacrifice, a house in the endeavour to comply with the notice served upon him, but cannot get possession of it under the Rent Restriction Acts or without turning the family in occupation into the road; and that the ejectment order was applied for after he had refused an offer by the Earl's surveyor to return to his old job at inadequate wages on which to keep himself, wife, and seven dependent children; and will he take steps to protect this man's interests?
§ Major ASTORMy right hon. Friend has no information as to the case referred to by the hon. Member, nor has he any administrative powers under the Increase of Rent, etc., Acts.
§ Mr. RENDALLWhat does the hon. Gentleman mean by saying that his right hon. Friend has no administrative powers? If the rural district council might take some action in the matter, can he not ensure that the rural district council will take action?
§ Major ASTORI will look into that, but the powers of my right hon. Friend are as stated in my reply.