§ Sir R. Taskerasked the Minister of Health whether he has authorised local authorities to requisition houses which have become vacant due to damage by enemy action where the owner neglects to carry out temporary repairs?
§ Mr. E. BrownLocal authorities already possess ample powers under the Repair of War Damage Act, 1941, for the repair of war-damaged housing accommodation: the exercise of requisitioning powers for this purpose is not, therefore, necessary. I have delegated to clerks of local authorities my powers under the Defence Regulations of requisitioning unoccupied houses required for the accommodation of evacuees, war workers, or persons rendered homeless by enemy action, and it is open to the clerks to exercise these powers in respect of war damaged houses which have been repaired.