§ 36. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the fact that landlords are serving notice to quit on the wives of Service men, when they are expecting to have a baby, because of their objection to having children in homes or furnished rooms; and if he will take whatever steps may be necessary to invalidate existing No children clauses in letting agreements.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)My right hon. and learned Friend's attention has been drawn from time to time to this matter, and inquiries are being made to see how far the practice is an extensive one. If there is reason to suppose that it is at all common, he will certainly consider whether action can be taken to check it, by a more extensive use of requisitioning powers or otherwise.
§ Mr. GranvilleHas the hon. Lady seen the statement of the Bristol City Council and other councils referring to this state of affairs, and will she investigate that aspect of it?
§ Miss HorsbrughMy right hon. Friend is anxious to investigate any facts that are brought to his notice.
§ Mr. SorensenSurely the hon. Lady is aware that this practice is very widespread. It has been going on for years. 712 When a baby is coming, the woman is turned out.
§ Miss HorsbrughPerhaps the hon. Member would send me the name and address of any case that he knows.
§ 37. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that Mrs. R. Howie, of Slough, Buckinghamshire, wife of Petty-Officer W. A. Howie of the Royal Navy, has been turned out of her lodgings because she was going to have a baby, although she has been engaged upon war work; and what steps he proposes to take to enable Petty-Officer Howie, who has been wounded in recent operations, and his wife to obtain suitable living accommodation.
§ Miss HorsbrughNo, Sir, but, if my hon. Friend will supply Mrs. Howie's address I will have inquiries made.
§ Mr. GranvilleIs the hon. Lady aware of the scandalous overcrowding in this district? Will the Department take steps to requisition large houses and fit them up as hostels for these young Service wives during this period? Is there any reason why it cannot be done?
§ Miss HorsbrughThere are extensive powers of requisitioning, which are being used. I will deal with any particular point that the hon. Member brings to my notice.
§ Mr. GranvilleI have given the name and address already in the Question.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe hon. Member has given the name, and I have asked if he will provide me with the address.
§ Mr. GranvilleIs the hon. Lady not aware that her own billeting officers at Slough, Eton or Windsor could supply the address to the Ministry by telephone?