§ 23 and 25. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will undertake, when coming to any agreement to let War Office property to municipalities for the purpose of relieving the housing shortage, to stipulate that those for whom the accommodation is ultimately intended shall in no case be required to pay a rent in excess of that which is current in the district for working-class lodgings;
(2) whether, in considering the terms upon which the War Office will let certain 1952 Government property to the municipality of Plymouth for the purpose of relieving the housing shortage in Devonport and Plymouth, he will undertake only to let this property to the municipality upon an undertaking being given that no rent shall be charged to the tenants for whom it is ultimately intended in excess of that current for working-class lodgings in the worst districts of Devonport?
§ Major ATTLEEI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to him of the 25th ultimo, which represents the general policy of the Department.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman undertake to see that the rents are not in excess of those charged for municipal houses?
§ Major ATTLEEThat is not the business of the War Office. It is the duty of the local authorities. The rents have to be settled by the local authorities who take over the houses.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAIf the War Office have an opportunity of making the terms, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman see that these houses are only let on condition that the tenants get the full benefit of this Government property?
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEIs the Under-Secretary aware that the Government have over 80 houses in their possession which they refuse to let and want to sell? Can nothing be done to insist upon letting them, in view of the housing shortage?