HC Deb 23 February 1944 vol 397 cc814-5
75. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an assurance that arrangements will be made definitely permitting discharged Servicemen to regain possession of their homes and that they will not be prevented from doing so by virtue of any provision in the Rent Restriction Act.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd) on 10th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Bossom

Is the hon. Lady aware that inability to regain the use of their own houses is causing a lot of worry to men in the Forces? Will she see whether anything can be done about it?

Miss Horsbrugh

If my hon. Friend will look at the reply I think he will see that those people can apply to the courts for an order. I would remind my hon. Friend that, at the present time, a Committee is sitting particularly to look into the Rent Restrictions Acts.

76. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends making it obligatory upon local authorities and landlords to give priority in leasing their houses to ex-Servicemen even though their financial position, on account of war-time activities may not be the same as that of the civilian.

Miss Horsbrugh

As my right hon. and learned Friend has informed my hon. Friend in correspondence, the points raised are receiving careful consideration and he is not at present in a position to make any further statement on them.

Mr. Bossom

Would the hon. Lady tell me when I could put down a Question and get an answer on this very important matter?

Miss Horsbrugh

Of course it is a very important matter, and further consideration must be given to it. Perhaps I can inform my hon. Friend what would be an advantageous moment for him to put down a Question.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Does the investigation which the hon. Lady is conducting include the possibility of giving power to local authorities to compel estate agents and house agents to notify their vacancies to local authorities, so that they can give priority to the most deserving cases?

Miss Horsbrugh

The whole question is being looked into, and the point raised by my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.

Mr. Mathers

Is it the practice of local authorities to lease houses to tenants, as stated in the Question?