§ Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to state what steps he is taking to ensure preference in housing for ex-Servicemen where other factors are equal.
§ Mr. WillinkLocal authorities are required by statute to give a reasonable preference in the letting of houses to persons who are "occupying insanitary or overcrowded houses, have large families or are living under unsatisfactory housing conditions." The Government's view is that the families of ex-Servicemen and of 1353W men still serving who are without a separate home of their own are outstanding cases of families living under unsatisfactory housing conditions, and that special consideration should be given to the families of those retained for service in distant theatres after the defeat of Germany. I have already issued to local authorities a memorandum on temporary houses, which deals with this question and of which I have sent my hon. Friend a copy. I intend also to refer to the question in a memorandum relating to permanent houses and to discuss with the associations of local authorities the best means of ensuring that this policy is adopted throughout the country.