§ 53. Mr. MILLSasked the Minister of Health if he has now received the report of his inspectors who visited the wooden hutments at Welling, Kent, on 9th June; and whether he is aware that these huts are being offered for sale?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)The reply to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.
§ 56. Mr. MILLSasked the First Commissioner of Works whether His Majesty's Office of Works increased the rents of the Government tenants of the Welling hutments as and when they became vacant; and whether any steps were taken to protect these tenants against excessive increases when they were sold to the present owners?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, 1939 the huts were sold subject to the rights of the tenants in accordance with the usual practice.
§ Mr. MILLSIs the First Commissioner of Works aware that the last Government sold these houses without giving notice to the local authority, and the result is that many tenants are being asked to pay 20s. per week for wooden hutments? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I am asking whether the decontrol book in the possession of the First Commissioner of Works was handed over to the new proprietors and is now being accepted in evidence against these tenants? I want to know how they came into possession of it.
§ Mr. LANSBURYThis question has been under discussion between the hon. Member and myself for some considerable time, and I should be much obliged if he will put that question on the Order Paper.