§ 56. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Health whether he is ware that the Wednesbury Corporation recently enforced a Closing Order respecting occupied houses situated at Hitchen's Croft; whether he can state the date when the property was originally condemned as unfit for habitation; whether the corporation offered the tenants at any time alternative accommodation, such as the rental of any of the new municipal houses being erected during this period; whether he can state the number of families, with the ages and the sex of the persons, ejected, their present place of abode, and the nature of the conveniences provided; and whether the corporation is taking any action to provide them with suitable accommodation?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that the Wednesbury Corporation have recently taken proceedings for the enforcement of Closing Orders made in respect of four houses at Hitchen's Croft. The Closing Orders were made on 1st December, 1919. I understand that on the day when the corporation obtained possession of the houses one of the tenants, his wife and seven children were given possession of one of the new houses belonging to the corporation and that the corporation intend to provide similar accommodation for the remaining tenants as and when such houses a-re available. Four families, comprising a total of 33 persons, were ejected from the condemned houses. I have no information as to the ages and sex of these persons. I am informed that three of the families are at present residing in the adult school, Lower High Street, but I have no information as to the nature of the convenience provided.
§ Mr. SHORTDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say the corporation intends to provide them with alternative accommodation?