77. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, on the orders of his Department, a number of elderly persons are about to be evicted from houses at St. Martin's Terrace, Canterbury; that some of the families have not been able to find alternative accommodation; and if he will, in such cases, cause the notices of eviction to be suspended until such time as those concerned can find some other place in which to live.
§ Mr. EdeThere has been no failure to show consideration to the tenants of these houses. Of the nine tenants to whom notices were given in September last, all but one have vacated the premises. A court order was made on 10th June requiring this tenant to vacate by 9th July. In view of the time which has elapsed since September last and the necessity of making these houses, which belong to the Prison Commission, available for the prison staff, I regret that I should not feel justified in interfering with the process of law.
Mr. Baker WhiteDoes the Home Secretary agree that this is just another aspect of the tied house problem?