HC Deb 20 May 1941 vol 371 cc1398-9
62. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increasing burden placed upon local government authorities throughout Britain by arrears of rent accumulating around the families of men called up to the Forces; and whether, in view of the inability of the men and their families to meet this burden in many cases, he will take steps to remove it from the local authorities on to the Government?

Miss Horsbrugh

I have no evidence that local authorities are suffering unduly from arrears of rent incurred by tenants of council houses serving with the Forces. The hon. Member will be aware of the scheme, administered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, under which special financial assistance is available to members of the Forces who are unable to meet their civil liabilities amongst which is included the payment of rent. My right hon. Friend has suggested to the local authorities who have sought advice on this matter that they should bring this scheme to the notice of their tenants.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware that it is impossible for many of these men to pay heavy rents, and that it is impossible for the local authority to take the ordinary procedure and evict them? In view of this situation, will the Department not reconsider making some effort to assist local authorities in the very heavy financial burden which is thrown upon them?

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, Sir. It is because of that that the Government are assisting these people through the scheme administered by the Minister of Pensions. In many cases local authorities have been informed of this scheme and have been asked to inform tenants who are in difficulties.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the hon. Lady aware that thousands of these cases have been refused by the Minister of Pensions and that people are simply unable to pay rent? If the Minister has no information in regard to local authorities being in difficulty over this matter, I will get the information for her.

Miss Horsbrugh

We shall be very glad of it, because we have already been in communication with local authorities. In the majority of cases there has been no difficulty, but one or two local authorities have been in difficulty, and information has been given to them.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Will the hon. Lady call on local authorities to supply information in regard to accumulated arrears arising from delay in the payment of extra allowances to ex-Servicemen who are tenants in their municipal houses?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think that is a different question.