§ Sir P. PILDITCHasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, on the ground that the Rent Restriction Act does not apply to the Crown, an action has been taken in his name in the Brentford County Court, the adjourned hearing of which is set down for 57W 6th May, with the object of evicting the tenant of "Faulklands," Feltham, Mr. C. F. Oldham, who has resided there for over five years, on a yearly tenancy dating from 1919, at a rent bringing it within the Rent Restriction Acts, and where he has, with great labour and industry, successfully built up a poultry farm, which provides a living for himself and niece; and, seeing that the War Office only acquired the property in 1922, and that if the tenant is turned out it will mean his ruin, will he take steps to have the action withdrawn?
§ Mr. WALSHI am aware that it has, unfortunately, been found necessary to take proceedings in order to obtain possession of the house called "Faulklands." "Faulklands" was permanently acquired by the War Department in March, 1921, for military purposes, and the house is urgently required as an officer's quarter. Notice to quit, at the expiration of his year of tenancy, in December last was given to Mr. Oldham as long ago as 11th June, 1923, and I much regret that I am not in a position to withdraw that notice.