§ 77. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will issue orders for a change in methods in connection with the sale of houses on the Abbotsmead estate at Barrow over the heads of the existing tenants so as to bring it into accordance with the Government policy that existing tenants shall not be dispossessed?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Jowett)The Government policy with regard to the sale of houses is applied uniformly on all the estates under my Department. It was determined in consultation with the Treasury in February, 1923, to sell the houses on all the housing estates constructed or acquired for war-time purposes, and I am unable to reverse this decision, because I am advised that owing to the passing of the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Acts my Department is legally bound to endeavour to sell the houses on its housing estates. Neither on the Abbotsmead nor on any other estate has my Department dispossessed tenants in order to effect sales with vacant possession.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that I can send him an actual case where a tenant was evicted and the house sold over his head?
§ Mr. JOWETTNo such case has been passed by me, and I am informed that none has been passed by the Department.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to bring in any proposals to repeal the Act to which he has referred?
§ Mr. JOWETTThat question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.