HC Deb 22 July 1924 vol 176 cc1100-1
23. Sir PHILIP PILDITCH

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that, or the ground that the Rent Restrictions Act does not apply to the Crown, an action has been taken in his name in the Brentford County Court, the hearing of which is set down for 25th July, with the object of evicting the tenant of Faulklands, Feltham, Mr. C. F. Oldham, who has resided there for over five years, on a yearly tenancy, dating from 7th April, 1919, at a rent bringing it within the Rent Restrictions Act, and where he has with great labour and industry successfully built up a poultry farm which provides a living for himself and niece; and, seeing that the War Office only acquired the property in 1921, and that if the tenant is turned out it will mean his ruin, will he take steps to have the action withdrawn?

Mr. LAWSON

The decision to proceed with this case was only reached after most careful consideration, and after an investigation on the spot by my hon. and gallant Friend the Under-Secretary of State. I regret that I cannot see my way to withdraw the action.

Sir P. PILDITCH

Are there not means in the district whereby the needs of the War Office could be fulfilled without taking advantage of the privilege of the Crown in order to deprive this man of his livelihood.

Sir K. WOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House why it is that the War Office should seek to obtain possession of premises and not provide other available accommodation in the same meaning as ordinary landlords?

Mr. LAWSON

In answer to the second question, my hon. Friend is misinformed as to this case, which has exceptional features. My hon. and gallant Friend has made very careful investigation into the circumstances of this case, and he feels that the course suggested is the only one.

Sir P. PILDITCH

Will the hon. Gentleman give me an answer to my supplementary question, which was: Are there no other premises in the district that can be used by the War Office?

Mr. LAWSON

I am not aware that there are such premises. My hon. and gallant Friend, after investigating the circumstances, felt, and felt strongly, that there was no other course to take.

Sir P. PILDITCH

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to inquire whether or not there are other premises?

Mr. LAWSON

Yes, I shall be very pleased to do so.

Back to