HC Deb 14 July 1931 vol 255 cc227-8
36. Mr. MILLS

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the policy of the Dudley Corporation of demolishing each of the hutments acquired from His Majesty's Office of Works as and when they become vacant and because of their policy of continuing the rents at the same level as when taken over by them of those hutments still in occupation, he will again consider the issue of some Regulation or Order to local authorities where these hutments still exist?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY of the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)

My right hon. Friend has no power to make such an Order as is suggested, and he has no reason to doubt that local authorities, in so far as they own properties of this kind, are managing them in a reasonable and proper way.

Mr. MILLS

Is the hon. Lady aware that in Welling huts which were sold by the Commissioner for Works for £34 are now, seven years afterwards, up for sale at £220, and that rents are being raised from 7s. 6d. to 18s.? Is there not some reason for an inquiry into the local circumstances?

Miss LAWRENCE

The hon. Member is giving information, and I shall be very glad to receive any that he possesses; but I must say that the present information in my possession does not suggest that interference is called for.