§ 59. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Attorney-General whether, in order to remove doubt, he will state whether the protection of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, is now afforded only to men in the Armed Forces or whether it can be invoked by men and women called upon to undertake work in war industry which necessitates a reduction in their incomes making it impossible for 431 them to meet rent and other liabilities; and whether, if existing legislation is insufficient, he will consider introducing amending legislation?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, are not restricted to persons serving in the Armed Forces. Proposals for extending the relief given by that Act are contained in section 25 of the Liabilities (War-Time Adjustment) Bill which has recently been introduced in another place.
§ Mr. WalkdenCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say why a man in service as a private gardener should have to vacate his tenancy when called up for national service?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThat is quite a different matter, and depends upon certain provisions of the Rent Restriction Acts.
§ Mr. SilvermanDoes not the Attorney-General agree that those particular provisions are anomalous and lead to great injustice?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThat matter has nothing to do with me, and the hon. Member had better put a question to the appropriate Minister.