HC Deb 07 July 1924 vol 175 cc1776-8
Mr. H. MOND

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has authorised the eviction by the Fulham Metropolitan Borough Council of 150 persons from Jerdan Place, Walham Green, which took place this morning, without alternative accommodation being provided, and whether he is aware that these people have now nowhere to go, and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. WHEATLEY

This is not a matter in which my Department can intervene, but I have made inquiries and understand that Closing Orders were made by the Fulham Borough Council in respect of certain houses in Jerdan Place in February last following a representation from the medical officer of health that the houses are in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation. I am informed that the houses are in a most deplorable state from a sanitary point of view and quite beyond repair; they have also been condemned as dangerous structures on the report of the district surveyor. Notice of the operation of the Closing Orders was given to the occupiers by the borough council at the beginning of March and warrants requiring the occupiers to give up possession of the houses were issued at the end of April. The execution of the warrants has been postponed by the council for as long as possible. I am informed that, as a temporary measure, special arrangements have been made for the reception in the Fulham Workhouse of such of the dispossessed tenants as are unable to secure other accommodation, and the borough council have also offered to store the furniture of the occupants in the meantime.

Mr MOND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at 12.30 this morning 150 people were sitting in the middle of the street with a cordon of police around them keeping the crowd back, and that the Fulham authorities have no accommodation at all except what has been obtained from the workhouse, and whether he will take steps immediately to see either that they are put back in their houses or that alternative accommodation is provided?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I had no information regarding this case until this afternoon. As I have already promised, I will take immediate steps to ascertain what can be done, and I will give all the assistance in my power to make their condition as easy as possible.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Would it not be possible to give some of these people accommodation in some of the Government-owned houses which the Government wish to sell, but will not let?

Mr. THURTLE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the West End of London there are large numbers of empty houses? Could he not, as an emergency measure, take them to house these people?

Lady TERRINGTON

Is it not grossly unfair on the women and children? They have nowhere to go. There is no room in the Poor Law house, and why should they go there if they owe no rent? Surely something should be done for these poor people, who cannot even cook their meals.

Mr. SPEAKER

It appears from the answers which have been made that the responsibility is on a certain borough council, and not on the Ministry.

Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONE

Will the Minister consider introducing a Measure in this House to give him authority to prevent in future all evictions by local authorities without alternative accommodation being provided?

Mr. WHEATLEY

May I remind the House that I did introduce a somewhat similar Measure and that it did not get very enthusiastic support from many of the people who are complaining here.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister has refused to bring forward any further Measures?