§ 39. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Health what steps are taken to protect the homes of soldiers whose wives become liable for compulsory service; and whether he can give an assurance that their homes will not be commandeered and abused by careless and thoughtless people?
§ Mr. E. BrownI would emphasise that the requisitioning of houses for occupation by the homeless and by other classes of persons is restricted 1149 in the main to unoccupied and unfurnished premises, and that furnished premises are requisitioned only in the last resort when other suitable accommodation is not available. Whilst I sympathise with the objects which my hon. Friend has in mind and I am sure local authorities will give all possible consideration in circumstances such as those which he mentions, I do not think it would be practicable to exclude from requisitioning, where this is essential in the public interest, the houses of any particular sections of the community. With regard to the last part of the Question, compensation is payable under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, for the use of the property.