HC Deb 26 June 1919 vol 117 cc376-7W
Mr. FOREMAN

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will take steps immediately to prevent the sale of huts by the Disposal Board for purposes other than for temporary housing accommodation, and to arrange for the loan of such huts free of charge to local authorities applying for them on condition that the net revenue derived from letting the huts shall be paid over to the Government, and that such huts shall, in the first place, be let to demobilised Service men who, owing to the exigencies of their service, find themselves without sufficient housing accommodation for themselves and their families?

Major ASTOR

My right hon. Friend is in communication with the Ministry of Munitions with a view to providing special facilities for local authorities who require huts to meet an urgent need for immediate accommodation. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on the 2nd June, he will be prepared in such cases to regard the provision of accommodation by means of converted huts as part of the local housing scheme which will rank for State financial assistance.

Mr. FOREMAN

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board has a large number of new huts in stock which can readily be adapted for temporary housing accommodation for demobilised Service men, and that local authorities can only obtain possession of them at exorbitant prices in competition with commercial and other interests?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Disposal Board only have a relatively small number of new huts for disposal which are suitable for housing. I do not agree that the prices for which they are being sold are exorbitant.