HC Deb 25 June 1941 vol 372 cc1031-3
23. Lieut. - Colonel Sir Cuthbert Headlam

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what capital expenditure has been involved to date in fitting up the premises at North End House for the refugees and their attendants, in putting up canteens, drainage and other works, and in pro viding special air-raid protection?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)

The total expenditure involved in preparing part of North End House for occupation by evacuees is estimated at £10,850. This covers furniture, blackout blinds and floor coverings; the erection of the canteen, provision of electric light fittings and other small services, and the provision of an air-raid shelter, including sleeping bunks.

Sir Percy Harris

Will my hon. Friend say how many people this building accommodates?

Mr. Hicks

I cannot say off-hand.

Sir C. Headlam

Does my hon. Friend not think it would have been both cheaper for the taxpayers of this country and safer for the refugees if accommodation had been found in the country?

Mr. Hicks

My Department was under instructions that accommodation must be found in a certain area and that it must be together.

Sir William Davison

Is some consideration being given now to a survey of the large number of vacant houses, which in many cases are next to one another, which could be used instead of displacing people who are employed in very important national work in the country?

Mr. Hicks

I can assure my hon. Friend that that question is being constantly taken into consideration.

24. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, in view of the fact that some of the tenants of North End House, Fulham, are now faced with eviction by his Department for the second time in under 12 months, he will give an assurance that no more accommodation will be requisitioned in that building?

Mr. Hicks

Yes, Sir.

25. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he will take steps to ensure that the tenants of North End House, Fulham, who are soon to be turned out of their flats, will be compensated without delay for the costs of their move to other premises, in view of the fact that some of the tenants, who were evicted last August, have not yet been paid the costs of that move?

Mr. Hicks

Compensation under the Act of 1939 will be paid as promptly as possible on receipt of claims. Flats were requisitioned in August last from 13 tenants of North End House; claims for expenses have been received in 10 cases, and five of these were settled some time ago. The negotiations in the other cases have been protracted, but payments on account have been made.

Dr. Summerskill

Can the hon. Gentleman justify the action of his Department in turning out the occupants of a block of flats in a fairly badly blitzed area for the second time in order to accommodate other refugees?

Mr. Hicks

Of course, the answer is "Yes. I can justify the Department"

Sir Percy Harris

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of these officials are very autocratic in their ways?