HC Deb 13 June 1940 vol 361 cc1373-5

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

41. Mr. Mander

—To ask the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mr. G. J. Broadhead, 5, St. Giles Road, Wolverhampton, is being evicted from his house by the Wolverhampton Borough Council for keeping fowls in breach of a term of the tenancy agreement; that Mr. Broadhead has resided there 14 years and recently responded to the Government's appeal to produce more food by making arrangements to keep fowls; that he only desires to do so for the emergency period of the war; that other tenants are in exactly the same position; and whether he will take steps, by issuing a regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act or otherwise, to suspend for the period of the war tenancy agreements which hinder the production of food and are contrary to the national war effort?

Sir P. Hannon

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Before this Question about fowls in Wolverhampton is answered by the right hon. Gentleman, will you say whether it could not have been more effectively settled by correspondence with the Minister instead of it being put down and so wasting the time of the House?

Mr. Mander

The hon. Gentleman is always trying to interfere without success, and it would be well if he kept quiet, I think. As to the merits of this Question—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member had better put the Question.

Mr. Mander

I beg to ask Question No. 41.

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am making inquiries into the facts of the case referred to. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am already considering in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture the possibility of action on the lines suggested.

Mr. Mander

Did not my right hon. Friend give me exactly the same reply last week; and does he not think that the time has now come when it is an urgent matter, seeing that there should be no hindrance to food production, and will he give me the opportunity of discussing this matter with him after Questions?

Mr. MacDonald

indicated assent.

Sir H. Williams

Has not the Minister of Agriculture proposed that a lot of fowls should be killed because there is not enough foodstuffs for them?

Mr. MacDonald

This is a Question dealing with fowls that can be fed upon household waste.