HC Deb 18 April 1918 vol 105 cc570-1W
Mr. A. ALLEN

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Messrs. Napier and Miller have purchased a terrace of houses in Old Kilpatrick, Dumbartonshire, and have given notice to the tenants to leave at Whitsuntide; and whether, in view of the fact that the present tenants are all engaged in public work and that there is a dearth of housing accommodation in the neighbourhood, he will take such steps as may be necessary to prevent their being turned out of their houses?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Attention has been drawn to the fact that Messrs. Napier and Miller have purchased a terrace of houses in Old Kilpatrick, Dumbartonshire. The Controller-General of Merchant Shipping wishes it to be known, however, that in order to improve the production of merchant ships it is essential that the foremen of each yard should live as close as possible to their work, and it is with the intention of being able to house the necessary foremen close to their work that Messrs. Napier and Miller have purchased the terrace of houses referred to. The tenants who have been given notice include, I understand, some employed in other districts on shipbuilding and munition making, but strict instructions have been given that no tenant is to be turned out until suitable accommodation for him has been found.