HC Deb 24 October 1946 vol 428 cc4-5
2. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Health to what extent it is his policy to encourage local authorities to give special consideration to the claims of men and women who have been on war service and who are unable to obtain a separate home of their own and, in particular, to the claims of those who have been disabled.

Mr. Bevan

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of Circulars 109/45 and 176/45 issued to local authorities regarding the management of their housing estates.

Sir I. Fraser

Does the Minister subscribe to the preference which was given to the ex-Service category by the Coalition Government?

Mr. Bevan

I do not subscribe to the point of view that an ex-Serviceman must be given complete priority because he is an ex-Serviceman; but if the hon. Gentleman will look at the circulars, he will find that local authorities are recommended and advised to regard the category of "ex-Service" as one entitling special consideration.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will the Minister consider suggesting to local authorities that they should give priority to ex-Servicemen who have tried all other avenues to obtain accommodation, and are left with only the possibility of going into a camp which the right hon. Gentleman has decided to hand over to the local authorities?

Mr. Bevan

I cannot subscribe to the point of view that an ex-Serviceman's need for housing is greater than the need of other applicants for housing, merely because of the fact that he is an ex-Serviceman. The criterion must be the overriding need of the applicant, and not the category to which he belongs.

Mr. Dumpleton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many local authorities have adopted a points scheme, under which they have provided extra points for ex-Servicemen and for disabled men; and is he aware that many of these schemes in neighbouring local authorities vary very considerably, thus resulting in a sense of injustice; and would he review the schemes of local authorities with a view, if possible, to securing some uniformity?

Mr. Bevan

I must point out that local authorities are their own agents in this matter. It would be really intolerable if the central Government interfered.

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