§ Sir R. Wellsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his Department consulted the War Office before requisitioning houses in the Mid-Bedfordshire area; and whether he is aware of the hardship caused to the civil population when both the military and his own Department compete for accommodation?
§ Mr. HicksNo consultation with the War Department took place about the particular requisitioning to which the hon. Member refers, but my Noble Friend is, of course, conversant with the great shortage of accommodation prevailing at the present time and does his best to avoid hardship subject always to satisfying urgent Government demands.
§ Sir R. Wellsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that his officials have instructed an elderly lady in Bedfordshire to give up possession of her home, which she will not do; and does he intend to use forcible action to remove her?
§ Mr. HicksYes, Sir. I am aware of the facts. I am glad to say that the lady, who is neither owner nor tenant of the property, and for whose co-operation I am grateful, has left the house.