§ 33. Mr. WIGNALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Bulwark and Hardwicke houses at Chepstow have reverted to the Government; if so, whether he is aware that the bulk of the tenants have for some time been suffering from unemployment, with the result that the rents and rates are considerably in arrears; and whether special consideration will be given to the position of these people with respect to their arrears, and action taken to reduce the rents now charged?
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe management of these estates has only recently been transferred from the Shipping Liquidation Department to the charge of the Office of Works. The matters to which the hon. Member refers are receiving consideration, but it may be a little time before a decision can be arrived at.
§ Mr. WIGNALLIf the rents that have been collected for some considerable time have been paid over to the Shipping Liquidation Department, then, presumably, the Government receive the amount of money or rent that is paid?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe transfer took place only five days ago, and the Office of Works have only had to deal with the matter during the last five days. We are looking into it very carefully, and we will let the hon. Member know.
§ Mr. WIGNALLIt needs looking into.