§ 18. Mr. Channonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities requisitioning house property from other Government Departments are paying the same rents as existed in 1939; and whether, in all such fresh requisitioning, he will consider paying the standard rents of these houses together with the rates.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)The possession in requisitioned property is the possession of the Crown, and transfers between Government Departments do not affect the continuity of the requisitioning. The compensation payable is assessed under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, and I have no power to vary the compensation while possession of the property is retained.
§ Mr. ChannonDoes my right hon. and learned Friend think that this is fair treatment to the owners, many of whom would like to go back to their own houses after four years of enforced absence?
§ Mr. WillinkAny question of compensation is not a matter for me, but for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that when a house is transferred from one Crown authority to another, the new Crown authority complains about the bad condition, and not about the lower rent?