§ 69. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Health what powers local authorities have other than those of the Housing (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, to undertake temporary and permanent repairs to any of their houses damaged by enemy action; and whether loans to cover the cost of these repairs are made by the Ministry free of interest?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)Local authorities need no special power to repair houses damaged by enemy action of which they are themselves the owners. It has, however, been decided that the loan facilities available under the Housing (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, should be available to them, and the answer to the last part of the Question is therefore in the affirmative. This Act does not in terms apply to the property of local authorities, but I hope shortly to introduce an amending Bill, one of whose objects will be to remove any doubts on this point.
§ 58. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the condition of empty houses damaged by air raids; and whether he can take steps to compel the owners to make some effort to clear up the glass which constantly falls into the streets from unattended windows, and to effect some measure of reconditioning?
Mr. MorrisonIt is the duty of local authorities to remove any danger to the public from houses damaged by air raid, including danger from falling glass. Repairs to occupied houses are also the duty of local authorities under the Housing (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, for which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is responsible; any question of repairs to unoccupied houses should also be addressed to him. I should perhaps make it clear that we are anxious to encourage private owners to take action on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend, and their co-operation in this direction will be appreciated.