§ Mr. J. H. Hollinsasked the Home Secretary whether he will define the position of local authorities' liability and responsibility with regard to the furniture and effects of bombed-out people stored by them; and will he enquire into the case of Mrs. W. E. Strange, of Ashford, Middlesex, an airman's wife who was bombed out of her home in November, 1941, and whose furniture was taken to store by the local authority, and much of it has now been stolen, for which Staines Urban District Council, who describe themselves as gratuitous bailees, now deny liability?
§ Miss WilkinsonAs my right hon. Friend explained in reply to a Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall) on nth December last, a local authority must take reasonable care of salved furniture which it has taken into store. Failing such care it would be liable to the owner. In cases of dispute a decision as to liability would rest with the courts. The facts of the case quoted by my hon. Friend appear to be broadly as stated in the Question. I am having further inquiry made in order to establish whether or not the local authority could properly accept liability, and will communicate in due course with my hon. Friend.