HC Deb 25 March 1920 vol 127 cc601-2
67. Lieut.-Colonel HURST

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the sale by the trustees of Hulme's Charities to the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited, of a large block of property adjacent to the Manchester wholesale market, the whole of the tenants thereof have recently received notice to quit in June next, without any previous intimation or opportunity to purchase the premises; whether he is aware that these tenants are almost all wholesale fruit and vegetable merchants, some of whom have occupied their premises from 30 to 35 years, and many of whom have spent large sums in improvements; and whether, in view of the impossibility of their finding alternative accommodation, he will recommend prompt measures to protect these persons from hardship, their employes from unemployment, and the food supply of Manchester from serious danger?

Dr. ADDISON

My attention had not previously been called to this case. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend of the provisions of Section 6 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, under which the consent of the local authority in writing is required for use otherwise than as a dwelling house of any house that was so used on the 3rd of December, 1919.