HC Deb 10 October 1940 vol 365 cc485-6W
Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange to give wider publicity to the existing laws and procedure to be followed when house property sustains war damage?

Mr. M. MacDonald

As I stated on 17th September in reply to a Question on the subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Sir I. Albery) I have issued to local authorities, for circulation, a leaflet describing the assistance available to those who have suffered from air-raid damage. The leaflet includes information about the repair of damage to property. This leaflet has also been given publicity in the Press.

Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of war conditions, he will consider an amendment of the provisions of the Housing (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, so as to enable a local authority to render damaged houses fit for occupation, irrespective of whether there exists in the district a shortage of housing accommodation?

Mr. MacDonald

As I stated in a recent circular to local authorities, I hope shortly to seek leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Housing (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939. Among the amendments I have in mind is one which will make it unnecessary for a local authority to have regard to the housing position in its district before carrying out first-aid repairs.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the arrange-merits made with, or authority given, to the county borough of West Ham to re-house within the borough people who are rendered homeless as a result of enemy air action; and whether the local authority, in consultation with the inspector from his Ministry, can have some determination as to the cost of renovation of present empty houses and the rental to be charged when such premises are not controlled by the Rent Restrictions Acts?

Mr. MacDonald

The county borough council of West Ham have the same powers of requisitioning property, billeting, etc., for the purpose of housing homeless people as have been given to other local authorities. I am sending the hon. Member copies of circulars which deal with the points he raises.