HC Deb 28 February 1918 vol 103 cc1576-7W
Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that munitions and other classes of workers in Watford are being evicted from their houses by well-to-do people from places nearer London who have purchased the houses in Watford in order to get away from air raids; and whether he will consider the advisability of declaring Watford as a specified area under the Defence of the Realm Regulation in order to prohibit these evictions of workmen who cannot obtain other houses in the vicinity of their work?

Mr. KELLAWAY

No cases of eviction have been brought to the attention of the Department. I am, however, having inquiry made, and I will inform my right hon. Friend of the result of that inquiry and the action taken.

Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received any complaints from Watford with regard to working-class families being evicted by well-to-do people from places nearer London who have purchased the houses in Watford in order to get away from air raids; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of so strengthening the law as to make such evictions impossible?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The matter is receiving consideration, but no decision has yet been arrived at. As my right hon. Friend has already been informed, steps are about to be taken to inquire into the position at Watford.