HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc1124-5
22. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will introduce legislation empowering him to provide accommodation for persons evicted from their homes in consequence of the operation of the Rent Act.

Dr. Hill

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 28th November.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I read that Answer with considerable amazement, as did my borough council? Does he not think that when the Government introduce a Bill leading to evictions, as the Rent Act has done, they should take responsibility for providing accommodation for persons evicted? Is he aware that in Slough in the last few weeks there have been thirteen evictions. Ten of these have been under the Rent Act. There is no accommodation whatsoever to house these families.

Dr. Hill

I recognise the difficulties of Slough, which arise in large part from a shortage of land in the area. I recognise that there is a considerable need for additional housing in the area, despite the fact that 2,500 houses have been built since the war—

Mr. Brockway

Private houses.

Dr. Hill

No. Two thousand, five hundred private houses and 3,720 council houses have been built since the war.

Mr. M. Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of his hon. Friends, namely, the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mr. G. Johnson Smith), in a television programme has urged requisitioning as a cure for the problem of the homeless? Will he adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend and introduce legislation to give either himself or local authorities the power to requisition to deal with homelessness?

Dr. Hill

I have no such intention.