HC Deb 23 March 1948 vol 448 cc2745-6
6. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to announce legislation to protect ex-Service men in Scotland who have received resettlement grants and set up small businesses and who are now being evicted.

Mr. Woodburn

I am not yet in a position to say anything further in this matter.

Mr. Willis

Will my right hon. Friend consider this as a matter of urgency, if he wishes to prevent this hardship to ex-Service men, and also this waste and misuse of public money?

Mr. Woodburn

I think my hon. Friend will agree that there is no point in my saying anything until I have something to say.

Mr. McGovern

May I ask whether my right hon. Friend will stop this stalling and tell us when he hopes to be able to make an announcement? It is a very serious matter, and this stalling does not help the situation.

Mr. Woodburn

It is not a question of stalling. I realise the urgency of it. We must comply with the law, and I must examine the matters first.

Mr. Pryde

Will my right hon. Friend inform the House when he expects to be in a position to state his intentions M this matter?

Mr. Woodburn

I will do that as soon as possible.

Mr. McGovern

It is a shocking exhibition.

Mr. Willis

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he will be able to make an announcement before the Recess—otherwise it may be too late?

Mr. Woodburn

I am not in a position to say when.