HC Deb 03 June 1938 vol 336 cc2416-7
15. Colonel 'Baldwin-Webb

asked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into the circumstances of the eviction, under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, of Mrs. Evelyn Powell, from 31, Marsh Lane, Crackley Bank, Shifnal, Shropshire, which took place on 18th May, in view of the fact that the employé for whom the cottage was stated to be required was no longer at the date of the ejectment in the landlord's employ?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

I understand that the Order for the ejectment of this tenant was obtained under paragraph (g) (ii) of the First Schedule to the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions (Amendment) Act, 1933. Any question as to the circumstances in which such an Order has been granted is one for the Courts. My right hon. Friend has no jurisdiction in the matter.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that under the Schedule referred to no agricultural labourer in the country with a rent of 3s. or below has any protection or safeguard against being evicted when his employer decides to evict him, and will he re-examine this particular Schedule which operates so harshly against agricultural labourers in the country?

Mr. Bernays

If the hon. Member has any cases of hardship in mind, I shall be glad to have a word with him.

Mr. T. Williams

But if the law is found to be operating harshly against an unfortunate section of the community, is it not the duty of the Parliamentary Secretary and the Minister to re-examine it?

Mr. Bernays

I have examined this particular case and I do not think the Schedule can be said to be operating harshly. It was in no sense the employer's fault in this case. I understand that he made a contract with a man who broke the contract, and that he had to employ another man.

Colonel Baldwin-Webb

Is it not the case that the order was made on evidence which was not true, and that therefore it was obtained under false pretences?

Mr. Bernays

As I have already said, my right hon. Friend has no jurisdiction in the matter.