HC Deb 05 March 1924 vol 170 cc1383-4
70. Sir JAMES REMNANT

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the tenants in the Peabody Buildings adjacent to the Windsor Hotel, Victoria Street, Westminster, are being turned out to allow the building to be converted into flats; and if he can postpone this conversion until the great demand for housing accommodation by the working classes in London has been relieved?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I am informed that these buildings were sold by the Peabody trustees because they were regarded as out-of-date, and that they have now been vacant for some time. I understand that all the occupiers were provided with alternative accommodation in dwellings belonging to the trustees, including a new block of dwellings which was erected in Westminster in substitution for the Victoria Street building.

Sir J. REMNANT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that within the last month or two, at the outside, this block of buildings was inhabited and occupied by working-class tenants, and will he see that during this time of pressure on housing accommodation for the working classes, these blocks of buildings, which were specially built for the working classes, will be retained for them?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I would deprecate any interference with the existing housing accommodation. I have given the House the information at my disposal. I cannot give a strict interpretation of the term "some time," but I take it that the houses have not been occupied quite recently.

Sir J. REMNANT

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has power to stop the conversion of these workmen's dwellings into more expensive flats, and, if he has not the power, will he take an early opportunity of getting such power from the House?

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

What objection can there be to the Trustees of the Peabody Fund housing their tenants in healthier surroundings?

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these buildings are being converted into higher-class flats, instead of giving accommodation for the working people?

An HON. MEMBER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been brought to the attention of the Conservative London County Council, and that they have refused to interfere at all?

Sir J. REMNANT

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the question whether he has power, and, if not, will he take steps at once?

Mr. WHEATLEY

My belief, at the moment is I have no power to interfere. The appeal should be made to another authority. It probably was, and the authority may have been less sympathetic than I would have been if I had the power.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the case that the last Government refused to take such powers?