HC Deb 25 October 1939 vol 352 cc1422-3W
Mr. A. Reed

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the financial difficulties of the blind men evacuated from London to Exeter, many of whom were taken from employment and their families evacuated to other places; that they are being pressed for the rent of their houses in London; that it is impossible for them to meet their liabilities out of the money granted to them; and what action he proposes to take to safeguard their homes?

Miss Horsbrugh

The Government are providing these men with free billets and I am informed that the London County Council are granting financial assistance at the usual Exeter rate for unemployed blind men.

The London Society for the Blind are also considering the question of providing workshop employment in Exeter for some of the London blind.

As regards the general question including the payment of the rents of London homes I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 19th October to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish).

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