HC Deb 09 October 1940 vol 365 cc377-8W
Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the occupants of at least 12 houses in Doyle Gardens, Willesden, whose homes were wrecked during the early hours of 16th September, are still without accommodation, and no attempts have yet been made by the county authorities to house them; and will he review the machinery with a view to speeding up such assistance, especially in view of the presence of empty property in the neighbourhood?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am informed that the occupants of the houses referred to made their own arrangements for other accommodation without approaching the town council for assistance. If the hon. Member has any other information, I should be glad to examine it. As regards the second part of the Question, rest centres have been provided by the county council in the borough for the immediate assistance of homeless persons, and use has been made of the centres by a considerable number of persons. Accommodation in billets or empty houses requisitioned for the purpose has been found by the town council for any persons who, on leaving the centres, are unable to find accommodation for themselves?

Mr. Lyons

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the arrangements made by the Leicester City Council for the entry to other premises of persons who may be made homeless in the event of air-raid damage; and whether he is satisfied that reasonable provision has been made throughout the country to give immediate dwelling-space, and to operate a system of communal feeding, to all who may be dispossessed in such circumstances during the present hostilities?

Mr. MacDonald

Yes, Sir. The arrangements both for the immediate care in food and rest centres of people rendered homeless, and for their subsequent resettlement in houses are now generally working well.

Miss Rathbone

asked the Minister of Health whether provision has been made for the keeping of a central register of persons who have been dishoused by air raid or as a precaution and billeted or rehoused elsewhere so that anxious relatives may know where to make inquiries as to the whereabouts of such persons?

Mr. MacDonald

The London Council of Social Service has established a central register of people made homeless by air raids and billeted or otherwise rehoused by local authorities in the London Civil Defence Region. The Council will supply the new addresses to the town halls and citizens advice bureaux in the areas in which the people formerly lived. Similar arrangements are being made to cover the rest of the country.