§ 19. Mr. Haydn Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Telco, Limited, machine tool makers, of Gordon Square on the Bedford Estate, in spite of repeated protests, have been given notice to quit on 25th March next; and whether, in view 903 of the fact that similar evictions of small industrial firms and commercial businesses are taking place all over the London area, he will consider taking the necessary powers to prevent such evictions during the transition period.
§ Sir S. CrippsI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to him on 12th November.
§ Mr. DaviesCould I ask my right hon. and learned Friend how much more evidence he requires of these cases, happening all over London, before he makes any move?
§ Sir S. CrippsThere would have to be a very considerable volume of evidence before I could ask Parliament to legislate for this purpose.
§ 24. Mrs. Ayrton Gouldasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing number of firms in the London area who have been, or are being, given notice to quit their existing premises, he will, in the interests of maintaining supplies and services, take powers tinder the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, to protect these firms against eviction during the difficult period of transition to peacetime operations.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. I have not sufficient evidence of the necessity.
§ Mrs. GouldMay I ask my right hon. and learned Friend how much evidence he requires? A number of firms are suffering seriously from being turned out; how much evidence is necessary to get something done?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt would be necessary, I think, to show a widespread occurrence of this difficulty before we should take any action.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister not aware that the only way to stop this practice of dog eating dog is for the Government to take over all the industries?