HC Deb 23 April 1941 vol 371 cc175-6
17. Sir R. Wells

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that two elderly ladies, lifelong residents in the area, whose furniture has been moved as their present house has been occupied by the military and they have to leave it, have had their new home requisitioned by a Department, and therefore will be compelled to find what accommodation they can for themselves and their furniture, although from inquiries it appears there is no accommodation available; and, in view of the hardship, will he see that these two ladies do not lose their home?

Mr. Hicks

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the facts. The house, which has not yet been occupied by the ladies, is required urgently for Government purposes, and, much as I regret the inconvenience caused, I cannot agree to withdraw the requisition.

18. Sir R. Wells

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he has any option to cancel decisions for the requisition of property previously made by his Department under a misapprehension, when the true facts and consequential. hardship involved in the decision have been pointed out?

Mr. Hicks

Yes, Sir. It is open to the Department to release requisitioned accommodation should it be found desirable to do so. The requisitioning of property for urgent Government purposes frequently causes hardship, but every effort is made to minimise the inconvenience, subject, of course, to the priority of Government demands.

Sir J. Nall

Will my hon. Friend have it made perfectly clear to his officers that where empty premises are available persons occupying furnished premises ought not to be disturbed?

Mr. Hicks

That matter is considered, but, of course, it is always related to the suitability of premises.

Sir Percy Harris

Does my hon. Friend realise that his officials are inclined to be autocratic, and will he see that more sympathy is shown in meeting the convenience of the public, and that when empty buildings are available, which perhaps may not be so convenient, such premises are requisitioned first?

Mr. Hicks

I am unable to accept the statement that the officials are too autocratic. Every consideration is shown, but it must be remembered that every interference with individual liberty is always autocratic, when the requirements of the State demand it.

Sir J. Nall

Does my hon. Friend realise that the arguments he has used are themselves autocratic?