HC Deb 06 August 1942 vol 382 cc1169-70
26. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the requisitioning by his senior regional officer, of No. 4 Bungalow, Fazeley Road, Tamworth, was done with reasonable notice to and consideration for the parties affected?

Mr. E. Brown

It is the practice of my Department in these difficult cases to give as long notice as is possible, in order that questions of relative hardship may be dealt with in advance. In this case, in view of the urgency of the representations for requisitioning made to my Department, it was not possible to give more than a very brief notice. I am not aware that hardship has been caused to the parties concerned in this case, and I repeat the assurance I have already given to my hon. Friend in a recent letter, that any representations in favour of ending requisitioning which may be made in this case will receive my full and sympathetic consideration.

Sir J. Mellor

Was it necessary in this case that the house should be forcibly entered upon the same day as that on which notice of requisition was posted to the owner?

Mr. Brown

The Defence Regulation does not require notice to be given, but it is our usual practice. The hon. Baronet knows from the letter that I sent him that the information given us was that the man for whom the bungalow was wanted was a "key" war-worker.

Sir J. Mellor

Was any inquiry made as to the circumstances?

Mr. Brown

I have dealt with the whole of the circumstances in my reply.

Sir J. Mellor

Does the right hon. Gentleman justify the procedure in this case?