§ 96. Mr. J. McKayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the N.F.S. authorities have given five tenants in Wallsend notice to quit and are attempting to get possession through the court on 27th February; that these houses are occupied by ex-N.F.S. members of whom four are disabled and the other has died leaving his aged widow as tenant; that the Wallsend Council is much concerned about this because it will increase the housing problem if these people are evicted seeing there is no alternative accommodation; that public feeling is against such action by a public body, particularly at the present time; and if he will stop this proceeding.
§ Mr. EdeAs I have explained to my hon. Friend in correspondence, I did not think it right to stay the court proceedings, since it is necessary in the interests of the National Fire Service to have the use of all service quarters in order that serving personnel may be 101W properly housed. It would appear that the orders made by the judge on 27th February took account as far as possible of the factors of hardship to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention.