Service Hirings (Hansard, 25 January 1977)

§ 5. Mr. Viggers
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Service hirings are currently occupied by ex-Service men or their families.

§ Dr. Gilbert
Ten, Sir.

§ Mr. Viggers
Does the Minister realise that a large number of Service hirings are from time to time occupied by families who have nowhere to live, and that it is the fault of the local authorities of origin from which the Service families come, which do not take proper note to Circular 54/75, issued by the Department of the Environment, which asks local authorities to give sympathetic consideration to families who come from their areas? Will the Minister seek to work with the Department of the Environment to revise that circular and try to give better home prospects to families who come from their areas?

§ Dr. Gilbert
If there are any particular cases that the hon. Gentleman has in mind I shall be only too happy to look into them. The Ministry of Defence keeps in close contact with local authorities in cases where there are problems about ex-Service men having to give up hirings to which they are no longer entitled. However, I am not aware in general of many problems, although, as I have said, if the hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind I shall be happy to look into it.

§ Mr. Newens
Bearing in mind the appalling hardship and nervous strain that is imposed on Service families who are subjected to this state of affairs, is it not totally unjustified that in many cases my hon. Friend should have to seek a warrant for possession before local authorities are prepared to rehouse? In those circumstances is it not absolutely essential to issue another circular to replace Circular 54/75?

§ Dr. Gilbert
I am always happy to look into points raised by my hon. Friends, and I shall be very happy to discuss this matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, As I say, at present only 10 Service hirings are being occupied by ex-Service men and their families.

§ Mr. Russell Kerr
It is a bigger problem.

§ Dr. Gilbert
I am certainly happy to look into any aspects that have not been drawn to my attention.