HC Deb 01 July 1943 vol 390 cc1764-5
17. Sir Harold Webbe

asked the Minister (of Health whether, having regard to the billeting powers now exercised by local authorities, he will consider a modification of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Billeting Order (S.R. & O., No. 986 of 1939), so as to provide that the tribunals of appeal should be independent of the authorities against whose action an appeal is made?

Mr. E. Brown

Although the members of the billeting tribunals were originally appointed by the mayor or chairman of the local authority for the area, they are not in any way dependent on the local authority in carrying out the duties assigned to them. I am in no doubt that in general these difficult duties have been carried out very well, and I do not think that any alteration is called for.

Sir H. Webbe

Would it not be practicable for local magistrates to nominate independent persons so that there shall be no question whatever of local authorities appointing judges in their own case?

Mr. Brown

If my hon. Friend is in any difficulty, I would like to discuss it with him, but in general that would not be my view.