HC Deb 10 February 1944 vol 396 cc1879-80
17. Major Lloyd

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the early introduction of legislation to enable members of the armed forces and others who, owing to service abroad or compulsory evacuation, have been compelled to let their houses, to obtain possession of such houses if the period of the letting has expired and the owner requires the house for his own use.

Mr. Willink

The Rent Restrictions Acts contain provisions designed to facilitate the recovery of possession of houses by owners who require them for their own occupation. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, I have recently appointed, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for Scotland, an Inter-Departmental Committee to review the whole field of rent control, including the working of the Rent Restrictions Acts, and to advise whether any and, if so, what changes are necessary. I could not therefore undertake to introduce legislation to amend the Acts in any particular respect while the Committee's inquiries are in progress. Their attention has, however, been specially drawn to the point raised in the Question.

Major Lloyd

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there is an increasing number of glaring instances of Service men coming back and trying to get possession of their little homes, but finding it impossible to do so, and having to take places as near as possible to their homes?

Mr. Willink

I am well aware of their difficulty, and I am doing my best to meet it by all means.