§ 33. Mr. Edeasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the written request of the billeting officer for part of the Tarvin Rural District, Cheshire, that the rural district council, as billeting authority, should prosecute J. Jackson, of Newstead House, Tarporley, for refusing to comply with a requirement for billets thrice made on him by a billeting officer, on the third occasion accompanied by a police officer, Jackson having eight habitable rooms and only two persons resident therein; whether he is aware that the council have declined to take action and have thereby caused grave dissatisfaction to many people who, having less accommodation than Jackson, complied with the billeting 1322 officer's requirements; and will he ask the council to reconsider their refusal or himself take action to support the billeting officer?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to the matter by the hon. Member himself, and he is having inquiries made. When those inquiries are completed my right hon. Friend will communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. EdeCan the hon. Lady say how long these inquiries are likely to take, as this happened more than 20 days ago?
§ Miss HorsbrughWe are aware of that, and I think the hon. Member will agree that there are some particulars about this case which ought to be looked into. There is the question of age and ofillness, and we feel that these particulars should be looked into before a definite statement is given.