§ Mr. J. P. Morrisasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that several firms are demanding rentals of £3 and £2 15s. per week, respectively, for the 1233W storage of small amounts of furniture of a member of His Majesty's Forces; that the protection to the furniture is only a tarpaulin sheet; that such a state of affairs is causing distress in His Majesty's Forces; and will he introduce legislation immeately to curb such activities;
(2) whether he is aware of the exorbitant charges being made for the storage of furniture, the property of people who are evacuating from London, and in particular of the distress caused to members of His Majesty's Forces who are unable to pay such large rentals, with the result that families of members of His Majesty's Forces have either to stay in London, or evacuate to another place and leave their furniture behind, which entails additional cost; and will he put a stop to this practice?
§ Miss HorsbrughMy right hon. Friend is aware that allegations of exorbitant charges for the storage of furniture have been made in some quarters. The general question of the disposal of furniture of persons who find it necessary to leave their homes owing to enemy action is now under consideration, and the question of controlling the charges to which the hon. Member refers is not being overlooked.