HC Deb 11 February 1931 vol 248 cc393-4
51. Mr. WELLS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for what reason notices have been given to increase the rents of some houses at Shortstown, owned by the Air Ministry, to the widows of men lost in the R101; and what increase it is proposed to make?

Mr. MONTAGUE

Only one of the widows in question has received notice of an increase of rent. This widow applied to be transferred to a bigger and more expensive house than she had occupied during her husband's lifetime, and after being informed that her application could only be granted on the condition that she paid the full rental which is normally charged to non-employé tenants of similar houses, she accepted the condition and elected to take the bigger house. The increase of rent involved, inclusive of rates, is 2s. per week. The rents charged to other widows of the victims of the R101 disaster have not been increased.

52. Mr. WELLS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that his Department has retired workers employed at the Royal airship works, Cardington, when they reach the age of 65 and are in receipt of the State pension of 10s. weekly, he will say why his Department have increased the rents charged to employés when they cease work at the aerodrome?

Mr. MONTAGUE

The Air Ministry own houses at Cardington primarily to provide accommodation for persons actually in their employment, and these are let to their employés at favourable rentals. The number of these houses is not nearly sufficient for all employés who have applied for accommodation. If, therefore, a tenant on ceasing to be an Aix Ministry employé is allowed to remain in occupation, he is naturally required to pay a normal rental. Otherwise the Department would be offering a special inducement to such tenants to stay on and thus block accommodation to the detriment of employés on the waiting list.

Mr. WELLS

Does the hon. Member think that 15s. per week rent is a favourable rent in that particular area?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

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