HC Deb 10 March 1920 vol 126 cc1256-7
29. Captain WATSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that for many months past certain Admiralty houses in Eton Road, Stockton-on-Tees, have been unoccupied, causing deep resentment and indignation amongst those requiring houses; whether he is aware that more than a year ago the Admiralty informed the town clerk of Stockton by letter that the premises would probably be required at an early date and refused the town council's request that the property should be let; and whether and for how long the Admiralty intends to keep the property unoccupied having regard to the urgent public demand for houses?

Dr. MACNAMARA

It is true that certain of the Admiralty houses in question were not occupied during recent months, but they had been allocated to Coast Guard ranks and ratings, whose furniture in all cases but two was actually in the houses. For this reason the houses were not available for letting. As regards the second part of the question, I am advised that shortly after the letter to the town clerk in February, 1919, all the houses in question were allocated in the circumstances already mentioned. I would add that Stockton Wireless Station is about to be re-opened, and all houses will not only be occupied, but the number of houses will not be sufficient for our requirements.

Captain WATSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the houses are to be occupied immediately, and, if not, will the Admiralty consider letting them on weekly tenacies, the tenants undertaking in writing to vacate at short notice?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Of course, I sympathise with my hon. and gallant Friend in putting that question. Our difficulty is that, even if we let the houses on weekly tenancies, we cannot get the people out of them. I will give the assurance that, if these houses are not forthwith required for the wireless station, what he suggests, that they should be let to weekly tenants, the tenants giving an undertaking in writing to vacate at short notice, will be considered.

Mr. HAILWOOD

May I ask whether an undertaking in writing will set aside the law?