68. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the considerable hardship which exists, particularly in the case of small householders who are called on to billet civil servants, he will now consider granting some additional payment in the weekly allowance, since the present allowance does not, in many cases, cover the actual cost of food and lodging?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)I cannot accept the statement that the billeting allowance does not cover the cost of lodging and two meals a day; and I do not think that any additional payment is called for.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that the Evesham Council have written a very strong letter to me saying that they have had people there for many months and in some cases for two 880 years? They have written to the Ministry of Health and to my right hon. Friend. Can he not do something to give the Evesham Council some satisfaction?
§ Sir K. WoodPerhaps my hon. Friend will send me a copy of the letter.