HC Deb 09 April 1959 vol 603 cc365-6
29. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in accordance with his powers under paragraph 2 (ii) of the Trust Deed, he will direct that when the trustees of the Czechoslovakia Refugee Fund offer their house properties for sale the refugee tenants shall either be given the option of purchasing the property or that it be a condition of sale that they be permitted to continue their tenancies.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have complete confidence in the trustees who are, I am assured, giving every possible consideration to their existing tenants and in particular, are offering alternative accommodation to any whose houses it is proving necessary to sell. No action of the kind suggested, even if it were competent, is therefore necessary.

Mr. Davies

Is the Home Secretary aware that notice has been given to certain of the tenants of the flats owned by this trust fund that these flats are being put up by auction and that it has been intimated to them that they must leave within a week of the sale taking place? Is he also aware of the difficulties of finding alternative accommodation at a reasonable price at the present time?

Mr. Butler

I am informed that it is the normal practice of the trustees to find alternative accommodation. I think that in the circumstances the best thing would be for the hon. Gentleman to send me the information or forward it himself to the trustees.