HC Deb 08 July 1947 vol 439 cc2005-6
1. Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that notice to quit has been served upon approximately 60 ex-Service men's families occupying married quarters at Queen Mary's Buildings, Stillington Street, London, S.W.I; and if he will assure these tenants that alternative accommodation will be found for them before eviction takes place.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

Notices to vacate have been served on 40 ex-Service men's families in occupation of these married quarters as the quarters are required for regular soldiers and their families. The question of finding alternative accommodation is a matter for the local authority. I will certainly do anything I can to help the local authority, but I regret that I cannot give the assurance asked for.

Mr. Bowden

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that many of these families were put into these buildings by his Department?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir. We put them into these buildings when they badly needed accommodation, but we warned them then that they would have to vacate the premises when their husbands were demobilised, in order that the buildings could be used for regular Service men, who also require accommodation.

Mr. Sidney Shephard

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what the position is with regard to those people who are occupying married quarters at Territorial Army headquarters, drill halls, and so on? Are they to be turned out?

Mr. Speaker

This Question deals only with ex-Service men's families occupying married quarters at Queen Mary's Buildings, Stillington Street, London.

Wing-Commander Millington

Can my right hon. Friend say that, as far as he is able, he will see that after these eviction orders are carried out none of these houses will, in fact, lie empty waiting for new tenants?

Mr. Bellenger

Most certainly, Sir.

Commander Maitland

is not this another example of the universality of the tied cottage system?

Mr. Bellenger

Not entirely. Sir. We have got to house the families of Regular Service men, and where we have given temporary accommodation to others, I think it is only right that they should vacate the premises for those who have a prior right to them.