§ 31. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of making adequate arrangements in advance for the summer season, he will free householders whose livelihood consists in the letting of apartments and rooms, from any compulsion to accept billeted persons who should be housed otherwise in the locality?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)Billeting authorities in reception areas will no doubt give proper consideration to householders whose livelihood consists in the letting of apartments, but my right hon. Friend does not think that it would be desirable or practicable to give a special exemption from the obligation to accept billeted persons.
§ Sir T. MooreIs my hon. Friend aware that there is very considerable public disquiet in regard to the Jack of a clear policy upon this whole question of evacuation, and will the Government issue precise instructions to the country so that we shall know exactly what every individual has to do and his duty in connection with it?
§ Miss HorsbrughIn this answer I have pointed out that it is not desirable or practicable to give a general instruction on the subject of billeting in this matter, but my right hon. Friend will shortly be making a statement on the subject.
Mr. J. J. DavidsonWill the hon. Lady keep in mind the fact that there is a possibility that householders in certain areas may desire to get rid of evacuees in order to extract extortionate holiday payments from holidaymakers?
§ Sir T. MooreWhy not?
§ Miss HorsbrughI think that all these questions are being borne in mind.