HC Deb 20 February 1924 vol 169 cc1779-81W
Dr. CHAPPLE

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons who have been deprived of their homes through the medium of the police and County Courts under the Rent Restriction Act of 1923?

Mr. G. WHITE

asked the Minister of Health the approximate number of orders of ejectment made in England during the month of December in consequence of the house shortage?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given on Monday to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on the same subject. I have been in communication with the Lord Chancellor, and regret that the precise information desired is not available. Certain the Housing, Town Planning, Et. (Scotland) Act, 1919, at the dates stated:—

statistics relating to warrants executed for the possession of premises are given in the judicial statistics which are published annually. The statistics for 1923 will be issued as soon as possible.

Mr. LINFIELD

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements he has made to provide for families ejected under order from houses without having alternative accommodation available?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I have no power myself to provide accommodation in the, cases referred to in the hon. Member's question, but I hope that local authorities will give the most sympathetic consideration to applications made to them in such cases in connection with the letting of houses built by them to meet the general need for working-class houses.

Mr. TURNER-SAMUELS

asked the Minister of Health what, if any, steps he is taking to control and prevent the heavy number of evictions now taking place as a result of the provisions of the Rent Restrictions Act, 1923; and whether it is his intention to introduce legislation to suspend the operation of the said provisions of the Act until the supply of houses is brought into line with the demand?

Mr. WHEATLEY

As I have previously stated, the Government are considering the whole question of rent restriction, but meantime they have no authority to interfere with the administration by the Courts of the existing law.

Mr. BAKER

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the many evictions which have taken place in Bristol and to those which are threatening as a result of the operation of the 1923 Rent Act; and whether, pending the introduction of the promised legislation, he will, by administrative action, afford to these poor tenants any protection or relief?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I am aware of the circumstances at Bristol; but I have no authority to interfere with the decision of the Courts, in anticipation of legislation.