HC Deb 27 May 1924 vol 174 cc203-4
26. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War how many summonses for eviction he has issued since he took office; and whether he has any regard to the size of the family of the person against whom he proceeds?

Mr. LAWSON

The number of summonses during the period in question has been about 25, but, as my right hon. Friend stated in Debate last week, to the best of his belief no eviction has been carried out under any of these summonses. As regards the last part of the question, all relevant, considerations, including the size of the family, are borne in mind, and the utmost forbearance is shown.

Sir K. WOOD

Inasmuch as the Secretary of State of War is this week proceeding against other people in the same neighbourhood for eviction, will the hon. Gentleman undertake that he will not turn them out into the street until alternative accommodation is found?

Mr. LAWSON

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman refers to people being evicted by the War Office. If that be so, I will refer the matter to my right hon. Friend. I am not quite sure whether these people are being evicted under summonses taken out by the present Government—

Sir K. WOOD

Yes, they are.

Mr. LAWSON

Or the previous Government.

Mr. G. SPENCER

Is it the policy of the Government to turn these people out without any regard to any alternative accommodation whatsoever?

Mr. J. JONES

Is it not a fact that the London County Council, of which the hon. Members for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) is such a distinguished ornament, is also evicting people?

Sir K. Wood

No.

Mr. MAXTON

Is it suggested that a different policy should be adopted by the Government in Woolwich from that which is adopted in Glasgow?

Mr. LAWSON

My answer was that all relevant considerations, including the size of the family, are borne in mind and the utmost forbearance is shown. I cal assure my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) that the point put by him is not overlooked in this matter.

Mr. G. SPENCER

Is it not the definite policy of the Labour party that alternative accommodation should be found before these people are turned out?

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