HC Deb 09 November 1944 vol 404 cc1514-6
16 and 17. Mr. Guy

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that Mr. J. McCormack, a transferred war worker from Glasgow to Luton, is occu- pying requisitioned property at 24, Chapel Street, for which he is paying 31s. per week rent and 22s. per week rates; and whether he proposes to take any action with a view to lowering these charges;

(2) who are the owners of the requisitioned property at 24, Chapel Street, Luton; and what compensation they are receiving by way of rent from the Luton Town Council.

Mr. Willink

Mr. McCormack and his family were placed in occupation of the house at 24, Chapel Street, Luton, under the power delegated to the Town Clerk to requisition premises for the occupation of families inadequately housed. The payments required from him are correctly stated by my hon. Friend, and I have no reason to think that the amounts are excessive. The owner of the house is Miss Elizabeth A. Smith, of 4, George Street West, Luton, and the compensation rent payable to her is £80 per annum.

Mr. Guy

Is the Minister aware that this case has been going on for some considerable time, and does he not think that to ask a war worker who has been transferred from one town to another to pay such an exorbitant amount is a shameful thing on the part of a local authority?

Mr. Willink

No, Sir—it is not easy for local authorities to find the exact accommodation that people want at the moment. The hon. Member should realise that there are four wage-earners in this family, and they are paying no more for the house than the owner is getting for it.

Mr. J. J. Lawson

Does the Minister accept these figures; and does he say that those figures are reasonable for a working man to pay—31s. per week rent and 22s. per week rates?

Mr. Willink

No, Sir, but as I pointed out a moment ago, there are four wage-earners in this family.

Mr. George Griffiths

What is the size of the house?

Mr. Willink

The size is one for which £80 is being paid. [An HON. MEMBER: "How many bedrooms?"] I am afraid I have not the details. Small houses are not plentiful nowadays and, so far, it has not been possible to find for this family just what they want.

Mr. Guy

Does the Minister appreciate the fact that Mrs. McCormack has stated before the assessment committee, as has Mr. McCormack, quite definitely that there has been plenty of property requisitioned in the Luton area at a rent much below that which Mr. McCormack has been asked to pay? Will the Minister not look into this matter again?

Mr. Willink

I am quite prepared to ask the local authority if they can meet the wishes of this family; but the charge being made for the house, taking into account the fact that there are four wage-earners in the family, is not, in my view, really burdensome.

Mr. Guy

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.