HC Deb 07 March 1923 vol 161 cc494-5
100. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary. Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he is aware that the Askern Main Colliery Company, Askeran, near Doncaster, has given notice to some 40 tenants to leave their houses because they have started work at some other colliery; that, in view of the housing shortage, the men cannot find alternative accommodation, and now the colliery company are asking the Court for ejectment orders and, seeing that a Government subsidy was granted towards the erection of these houses, what steps will he take to prevent such action?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The question as to the right of the colliery company to obtain possession of the houses is one for the decision of the Courts, and the Ministry of Health has no jurisdiction in the matter.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will the Minister responsible for this Department consider the advisability of preventing this power being used under the new Housing Bill?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That question will be taken into consideration with regard to the new Housing Bill. I cannot say more at the moment.